FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2012  witli  funding  from 

Princeton  Tlieological  Seminary  Library 


http://arcliive.org/details/minettOOrefo 


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TITLK  I'ACiK  OF  FIRST  COKTUS  MINUTES 
September  29,  1747. 


MINUTES  AND  LETTERS 


THE    COETUS 

OF    THE 

Serman  Kcformetr  CongrcgatiouB 

IN 

PENNSYLVANIA, 

1747-1792. 


TOGETHER  WITH 


THREE   PRELIMINARY   REPORTS   OF 
REV.  JOHN  PHILIP  BOEHM, 

1734-1744.     . 


PUBLISHED  BY  AUTHORITY  OF  THE  EASTERN  SYNOD  OF  THE 

REFORMED  CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES.  (Xk^V/^^H^ 


REFORMED  CHURCH  PUBLICATION  BOARD, 

PHILADELPHIA. 

1903. 


Copyright,  1903, 
REFORMED  CHURCH  PUBLICATION  BOARD. 


PREFACE. 


The  collection  of  historical  documents  contained  in  this 
volume  is  all  that  remains  of  the  official  papers  of  the  '  ^  Coetus 
of  Pennsylvania. ' '  By  this  name,  which  means  a  convention, 
the  organization  of  the  Reformed  churches  in  Pennsylvania 
was  known  in  the  eighteenth  century.  During  the  forty-five 
years  of  its  existence  (1747-1792),  the  Coetus  stood  in  closest 
connection  with  the  Reformed  Church  of  Holland.  It  was 
one  of  the  many  mission  fields  of  that  great  missionary 
Church.  It  enjoyed,  during  that  time,  not  only  the  guidance 
and  care  of  the  ' '  Fathers  ' '  in  Holland,  but  also  received  men 
and  means  to  carry  on  the  work.  To  this  unselfish  liberality 
of  the  Holland  Church,  the  Reformed  Church  of  Pennsylvania 
owes  not  only  its  existence,  but  also  the  preservation  of  its 
official  records.  In  return  for  the  many  acts  of  kindness  re- 
ceived from  Holland,  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania  was  ex- 
pected to  send  yearly  reports  of  its  meetings  and  of  the  prog- 
ress of  its  work  to  Holland.  These  records  were  most  care- 
fully preserved.  Thus  it  has  come  to  pass  that,  while  many 
of  the  minutes  and  letters  were  lost  in  Pennsylvania,  nearly 
all  of  them  were  preserved  in  Holland.  By  combining 
the  remaining  documents  in  Pennsylvania  with  those  in  Hol- 
land, the  present  collection  has  been  formed. 

The  gathering  of  so  many  documents,  from  such  widely 
separated  sources,  has  been  attended  with  much  expenditure 
of  money  and  labor.  It  was  only  made  possible  by  the  liber- 
ality and  zeal  of  the  Rev.  J.  I.  Good,  D.  D.,  who  deserves  the 
gratitude  of  the  Church  for  his  unselfish  labor.  In  the  in- 
troduction, he  himself  tells  the  interesting  story  how  the  docu- 
ments in  Holland  were  found  and  copied. 

The  publication  of  these  documents  is  the  outcome  of  the 
interest  aroused  by  the  excellent  historical  exhibit,  held  in 

(iii) 


iv  PBEFACE. 

connection  with  the  sessions  of  the  Eastern  Synod  of  the  Re- 
formed Church,  in  Philadelphia,  on  October  16-21,  1901. 
This  interesting  exhibit,  so  ably  superintended  by  the  Rev. 
James  Crawford,  D.  D.,  showed  how  much  precious  material, 
bearing  on  the  history  of  our  Church,  was  still  in  existence. 
The  historical  interest,  then  exhibited,  culminated  in  an  "His 
torical  Meeting, ' '  held  in  Heidelberg  Reformed  church,  Phila- 
delphia, on  October  18,  1901,  at  8  P.  M.  At  this  meeting  the 
suggestion  was  first  made,  by  the  writer,  to  bring  about  some 
permanent  results  of  the  exhibit  by  the  publication  of  the  old 
Coetus  Minutes  and  the  reorganization  of  the  defunct  His- 
torical Society.  Both  suggestions  were  carried  out.  With 
regard  to  the  former,  a  special  committee  was  appointed  by 
Synod,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  James  Crawford,  D.  D.,  Rev. 
Prof.  Wm.  J.  Hinke,  and  the  Rev.  Prof.  J.  H.  Dubbs,  D.  D., 
to  supervise  the  publication  of  the  Coetus  Minutes. 

Unfortunately,  complications  arose  which  prevented  the 
carrying  out  of  the  resolution  of  Synod.  At  the  next  meeting 
of  SjTiod,  in  1902,  the  committee  brought  in  new  recommen- 
dations, which  were  at  once  adopted  by  Synod.  In  accord- 
ance with  them  the  work  was  begun. 

The  editing  of  the  volume  was  entrusted  by  the  com- 
mittee to  the  Rev.  J.  I.  Good,  D.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  Prof.  Wm. 
J.  Hinke.  They  spent  much  time  and  effort  in  securing  good 
translations  and  in  presenting  the  work  in  as  accurate  a  form 
as  possible.  The  translations  had  to  be  made  from  Latin, 
German  and  Dutch  originals,  and  frequently  the  obscurity  of 
the  original  made  the  work  of  translation  extremely  difficult. 
However,  it  is  believed  that  by  persistent  efforts  all  difficul- 
ties w^ere  successfully  overcome.  As  to  the  translation  itself, 
it  need  only  be  said  that  it  was  the  aim  of  the  editors  to  make 
it  as  literal  as  possible,  without  doing  violence  to  the  English 
idiom.  To  obviate  much  confusion  in  the  spelling  of  geo- 
graphical terms,  the  present  mode  of  spelling  was  adopted, 
except  where  there  was  any  doubt  as  to  the  identity  of  the 
place.  In  names  of  persons,  the  English  form  was  substi- 
tuted for  the  German  or  Dutch  in  the  baptismal  or  Christian 
name,  but  the  various  spellings  of  the  surnames  were  retained. 
In  the  work  of  rendering  the  various  documents  into  read- 
i 


PBEFACE.  y 

able  English,  the  editors  had  the  efficient  assistance  of  the 
Rev.  John  H.  Sechler,  D.  D.,  who  kindly  read  the  whole  manu- 
script as  it  passed  through  the  press. 

The  committee  did  not  deem  it  wise  to  eliminate  all  refer- 
ences to  the  various  cases  of  discipline  which  occur  in  the 
minutes.  They  are  not  only  an  important  and  necessary  part 
of  the  record,  without  which  it  would  be  incomplete  and  to 
some  extent  unintelligible,  but  they  also  reflect  great  credit 
upon  the  Coetus,  because  they  show  how  high  was  the  stand- 
ard of  morality  among  its  ministers  and  how  zealous  they  were 
to  maintain  it  at  all  hazards  and  under  all  circumstances. 

The  importance  of  these  records  for  the  history  of  our 
church  can  hardly  be  exaggerated.  They  are  absolutely  in- 
dispensable. Without  them  no  connected  history  of  the  church 
as  a  whole  and  of  the  individual  congregations  would  be  pos- 
sible. To  show  the  scope  of  their  contents  a  few  statements 
will  be  sufficient.  They  refer  to  all  the  ministers  who  w^ere 
members  of  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  and  now  enable  us 
for  the  first  time  to  give  the  exact  number,  sixty-four  in  all. 
Of  these  twenty-nine  were  educated  in  Pennsylvania  and 
thirty-five,  educated  in  Germany  and  Switzerland,  were  sent 
over  by  the  church  of  Holland.  Two  others,  who  were  sent 
over,  (Muentz  and  Pick)  never  entered  our  church,  the  first 
dying  on  the  way  and  the  second  joining  the  Coetus  of  New 
York.  Besides  these,  twenty-four  independent  Reformed 
ministers  are  mentioned,  that  is  nearly  half  of  those  that  are 
kno\\Ti.  Four  students  of  theology  and  seven  school  teachers 
complete  the  list  of  the  leaders  of  our  church  during  the 
Coetus  period. 

Of  Reformed  congregations  we  find  two  hundred  and  three 
i^ptioned.  Of  these  two  were  in  New  York,  ten  in  New 
Jersey,  twelve  in  Maryland,  fourteen  in  Virginia,  and  all  the 
rest  in  Pennsylvania.  However,  it  must  be  remembered  that 
the  number  of  names  does  not  represent  the  actual  number 
of  congregations,  as  several  names  were  often  applied  to  the 
same  congregation  in  the  course  of  its  history.  We  may  say, 
therefore,  that  in  round  numbers  we  find  here  the  record  of 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  Reformed  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania, besides  those  in  the  other  States  already  mentioned. 


vi  PBEFACE. 

The  interest  of  the  Reformed  people  in  civil  affairs  is  shown 
in  the  elegant  Latin  address,  presented  to  Governor  Morris  in 
1754,  and  the  appropriate  address  to  Washington  in  1789, 
together  with  his  beautiful  reply. 

In  the  sphere  of  education  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania 
showed  its  advanced  position  in  the  interest  it  took  in  the 
charity  schools,  1754-1760,  and  in  the  establishment  of  Frank- 
lin College  in  1787. 

Thus  the  new  records  throw  a  flood  of  light  upon  the  re- 
ligious, social  and  political  life  of  the  German  Reformed 
people  during  the  eighteenth  century. 

Finally,  in  presenting  the  complete  work  to  the  Church, 
the  committee  expresses  the  hope  that  its  publication  may  lead 
to  an  increased  interest  in  our  history,  and  that  in  course  of 
time  other  valuable  documents,  which  have  been  collected  in 
this  country  as  well  as  abroad,  may  be  published  under  the 
auspices  of  the  venerable  mother  Synod.  In  thus  honoring 
the  memory  of  our  fathers,  we  shall  become  their  worthy  suc- 
cessors in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

In  the  name  of  the  Committee, 

Wm.    J.    HiNKE. 


INTKODUCTION. 


I. 

The  Discovery  of  the  Documents  m  Holland. 

BY   THE   REV.    J.   I.    GOOD,   D.   D. 

The  story  of  historical  research  often  reads  like  a  romance, 
and  I  give  the  discovery  of  the  Holland  records  that  it  may 
perhaps  be  an  inspiration  to  others. 

For  nearly  twenty  years  I  had  been  ransacking  Germany 
and  Switzerland  to  find  materials  for  the  basis  of  the  history 
of  our  Church  in  America.  But  the  missing  Coetus  Minutes 
eluded  me.  Finally,  through  the  suggestion  of  the  excellent 
historian  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  Rev.  E.  T.  Corwin, 
D.  D.,  I  was  led  to  write  to  Holland  as  early  as  1892.  I  wrote 
to  Rev.  Dr.  Vos  and  to  Rev.  Dr.  Rutgers,  of  Amsterdam,  both 
of  whom  said  there  were  some  records  about  Pennsylvania  at 
Amsterdam.  In  July,  1895,  I  visited  Amsterdam  and  ar- 
ranged to  have  the  portfolio  of  Pennsylvania  papers  copied. 
But  when  they  came  to  me  the  next  winter  I  was  greatly  dis- 
appointed, because  of  the  many  missing  Coetus  Minutes  only 
two  came  to  hand.  In  the  meantime  Mr.  Henry  S.  Dotterer, 
of  Philadelphia,  had  gone  abroad  for  researches  connected 
with  the  ''  Perkiomen  Region."  He  wrote  to  me  that  at  the 
Hague,  in  the  archives  of  the  General  Synod,  I  might  find 
many  interesting  documents,  as  he  had  gone  over  them  cur- 
sorily in  his  work,  but  had  not  dwelt  upon  them,  as  his  interest 
was  local,  not  ecclesiastical.  I  visited  the  Hague  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1896.  I  shall  never  forget  the  day,  Monday,  July  6, 
1896,  when  the  courteous  keeper  of  the  archives,  Mr.  Over- 
man, laid  before  me  the  books  and  the  bundles  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania correspondence.     There,  at  last,  were  the  long-sought 


viii  INTEODUCTION. 

Coetiis  IMinutes,  and  scores  of  other  letters,  whose  significance 
I  did  not  know  then,  but  appeared  afterwards  (as  given  in 
my  last  volume,  ' '  The  History  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  the 
United  States  ").  I  was  dazed.  It  was  the  embarrassment 
of  historical  riches.  What  Mayer  and  Harbaugh  and  other 
historians  of  our  Church  had  long  sought  for  but  never  found, 
I  was  permitted  to  be  the  first  of  her  ministers  to  see.  That 
day  ran  out  into  weeks,  as  I  stayed  and  copied  the  Coetus 
IMinutes,  and  came  home  with  the  complete  set.  Later,  I 
learned  that  I  had  been  misled  (though  they  meant  it  well) 
by  our  Dutch  brethren  in  America,  who  had  been  telling  me 
all  the  time  to  go  to  Amsterdam.  It  turned  out  that  the 
Dutch  Church  in  this  country  had  been  most  closely  allied 
with  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  but  our  own  Church  had  been 
more  closely  allied  Avith  the  Synod  of  South  Holland,  and, 
therefore,  most  of  the  records  were  at  the  Hague  instead  of 
at  Amsterdam. 

So  anxious  was  I  to  get  these  records  for  the  information 
of  our  Church  in  America,  that  the  next  year  (1897)  I  sent 
Rev.  Prof.  Hinke  to  Holland  to  copy  them,  and  he  proved  a 
most  painstaking  and  efficient  helper  in  this  work.  Finally, 
in  1898,  I  not  only  sent  him,  but  also  went  myself,  in  order 
to  complete,  if  possible,  the  transcript  of  all  the  records;  so 
that  by  1899  I  had  copied  virtually  the  whole  of  the  Holland 
records,  making  about  4,000  pages.  The  total  expense  of  the 
copying,  translating,  etc.,  together  with  the  expense  of  Prof. 
Hinke,  amounted  to  about  $4,000,  which,  however,  I  cheer- 
fully paid  if  thereby  I  could  serve  our  Church,  that  her  early 
history  might  be  cleared  of  mistakes,  false  traditions  and  mere 
surmises,  and  be  placed  on  the  solid  basis  of  fact.  "  All 
things  come  to  him  who  seeks  them,'*  provided  he  seeks  them 
long  enough  and  happens  to  stumble  over  them  as  I  did. 

May  this  recital  of  the  romance  of  our  history  stimulate 
others  to  persevering  research  in  the  many  avenues  of  our  his- 
tory in  this  country !  History  is  a  sacred  trust  of  Providence 
to  us.  Let  us  prove  ourselves  worthy  of  God's  confidence 
in  us. 


INTRODUCTION.  [% 

II. 

Reformed  Archives, 
by  rev.  prof.  wm.  j.  hinke. 

The  documents  published  in  this  volume  have  been  gath- 
ered, with  but  few  exceptions,  from  four  different  archives, 
two  of  which  are  in  Holland  and  two  in  America.  It  will 
serve  a  useful  purpose  if  we  present  a  short  account  of  each 
of  these  archives,  arranging  them  in  the  order  of  their  im- 
portance. 

I.    ARCHIVES    AT    THE    HAGUE,    HOLLAND. 

These  archives,  which  are  the  property  of  the  General  Synod 
of  the  Reformed  Church  of  Holland,  are  now  located  in  the 
"  Synodical  Building,"  at  100  Java  street,  in  the  Hague. 
The  largest  part  of  the  valuable  documents  there  preserved 
was  formerly  the  property  of  the  South  Holland  Synod,  but 
when  the  Synod  ceased  to  exist,  in  1816,  the  archives  passed 
into  the  custody  of  the  General  SjTQod.  At  first  they  were 
kept  in  the  Cloister  church,  at  the  Hague,  but  were  later 
transferred  to  their  present  location.  It  is  not  a  large  collec- 
tion of  documents,  but,  in  contents,  it  is  unquestionably  one  of 
the  most  important  in  the  country.  All  the  important  manu- 
scripts are  kept  in  two  large  iron  safes  on  the  first  floor. 
Some  old  books  and  documents,  lately  added  to  the  collection, 
are  preserved  in  bookcases  standing  in  the  same  room.  To 
make  this  collection  more  accessible  to  students  of  history,  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Holland  Church  ordered  the  publica- 
tion of  a  catalogue,  which  appeared  in  1878,  under  the  editor- 
ship of  the  Rev.  H.  Q.  Janssen.*  The  catalogue  shows  that 
the  whole  material  has  been  arranged  under  one  hundred  and 
four  numbers.  Among  them  the  original  minutes  of  the  six 
early  national  Synods,  from  1568-1586,  deserve  special  men- 
tion, because  by  these  S^mods  the  Church  was  organized  and 
the  symbols  of  faith  were  adopted.  Of  other  numbers,  No.  17 
is  the  most  noteworthy,  being  a  collection  of  seventeen  large 

*  This  book  is  entitled :  Catalogus  van  het  Oud  Synodaal  Archief* 
Met  Indices  der  oude  Provinciale  Kerlcelylce  Archieven.  's  Gravenhage, 
1878. 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

manuscript  volumes,  containing  the  Acts  of  the  famous  S}Tiod 
of  Dort,  1618-1619. 

The  documents  which  are  of  special  importance  for  the 
Reformed  Church  of  Pennsylvania  are  the  following: 

1.  Tke  Acts  of  the  South  Holland  Synod. 
'They  are  contained  in  seventeen  large  folio  volumes,  under 
No.  20  of  the  catalogue,  each  volume  having  from  600-800 
closely-written  pages.  They  cover  the  years  1576-1810,  with 
but  one  break,  from  1609-1617,  when  no  meetings  were  held. 
The  churches  of  Pennsylvania  are  first  mentioned  in  1728, 
with  which  year  volume  eight  begins.  From  that  date  till 
1810  the  affairs  of  the  Pennsylvania  churches  were  regularly 
taken  up  by  the  Synod  in  each  annual  session,  and  hence  the 
accounts  of  these  deliberations  cover  many  pages.  A  full 
transcript  of  all  items  referring  to  Pennsylvania  was  secured. 

2.  The  Acts  of  the  Synod  of  North  Holland. 
The  minutes  of  the  North  Holland  Synod  cover  fifteen  folio 
volumes  from  1621-1790,  with  loose  copies  of  the  minutes  of 
1791-1793  and  1795-1809.*  A  more  complete  set  of  these 
minutes  is  preserved  at  Amsterdam,  comprising  nineteen  folio 
volumes,  extending  from  1572-1810.  The  early  minutes  of  all 
the  provincial  Synods  from  1571-1620  were  printed  in  eight 
octavo  volumes  at  Groningen,  1891-1899,  edited  by  Rev. 
Messrs.  Reitsma  and  Van  Veen.  The  first  reference  to  Penn- 
sylvania in  the  minutes  of  the  North  Holland  Synod  is  in 
1728.  From  that  date  until  1810  there  were  annual  reports 
about  the  condition  of  the  Church  in  Pennsylvania,  all  of 
which  w^ere  copied. 

3.  Acts  of  the  Deputies  of  Both  Synods. 
The  Synod  of  North  and  ;oouth  Holland  had  a  joint  execu- 
tive committee,  called  ''  Deputati  utriusque  Synodi."  Four 
members  from  South  Holland  and  two  from  North  Holland 
constituted  this  committee.  They  met  quarterly  in  joint  ses- 
sions, but  the  South  Holland  Deputies  met  alone  every  month. 
At  first  the  minutes  of  these  two  kinds  of  meetings,  called 
ordinary  and  extraordinary  respectively,   were  kept  in   the 

*  No.  52,  according  to  the  catalogue. 


IXTEODUCTIOX, 


same  set  of  volumes,  but  in  1761  the  South  Holland  Deputies 
began    a    separate    set    for    their    extraordinary    meetings. 
Hence,  we  have  (under  Xos.  32-33  of  the  catalogue)  : 
a.  Acta  Deputatorum  utriusque  SjTiodi : 


Vol.  I. 

1641-1651.* 

Vol.  IX. 

1738-1746. 

II. 

1654-1666. 

X. 

1746-1752. 

III. 

1667-1674,  is  missing. 

XI. 

1752-1756. 

IV. 

1674-1694. 

XII. 

1756-1758. 

V. 

1694-1713. 

XIII. 

1758-1761. 

VI. 

1713-1723. 

XIV. 

1761-1787. 

VII. 

1724-1730. 

XV. 

1787-1808. 

VIII. 

1730-1738. 

h.  Acta  Deputatorum  Zuid  Hollandiae  extraordinaria : 

Vol.  I.  1761-1770.  Vol.  IV.  1787-1792. 

11.  1770-1780.  V.  1792-1803. 

III.  1780-1787.  VI.  1803-1816. 

These  minutes  of  the  Sjiiodical  Deputies  are  of  utmost  im- 
portance for  our  historv^  because  they  contain  the  full  story 
of  what  the  Church  of  Holland  did  for  the  Reformed  people 
of  Pennsylvania.  The  reports  in  the  minutes  of  the  S\Tiods 
are  only  summarized  statements  of  the  work  of  the  Deputies 
during  the  course  of  the  year.  It  is  to  the  minutes  of  the 
Deputies  that  we  must  turn  for  the  full  record.  Here  we 
find  elaborate  accounts  of  the  steps  t-aken  to  secure  thirty- 
seven  ministers  for  Pennsylvania.  Here  the  receipt  of  every 
letter  from  Pennsylvania  is  noted,  sometimes  given  in  ex- 
stract,  but  in  important  cases  spread  in  full  upon  the  minutes. 
Here  we  also  find  extracts  of  all  the  letters  sent  to  Pennsyl- 
vania in  answer  to  the  reports  received,  as  well  as  the  reports 
of  the  moneys  devoted  annually  to  this  cause.  In  fact,  we 
have  here  the  full  machinery  that  kept  our  Church  in  motion. 
The  minutes  of  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania  will  always  re- 
main more  or  less  obscure,  unless  these  minutes  of  the  Depu- 
ties be  published  which  supply  the  missing  links.  Here  are 
the  causes  of  which  many  of  the  actions  of  the  Coetus  were 
the  result. 

*  Xo  Minutes  of  1652  and  1653  are  in  existence. 


Xii  INTRODUCTION. 

4.  Correspondence  of  the  Synodical  Deputies. 

The  correspondence  of  the  Deputies  with  the  churches  in 
Pennsylvania  (but  also  containing  letters  exchanged  between 
the  different  ecclesiastical  bodies  in  Holland)  is  at  present 
preserved  in  two  bound  volumes,  one  portfolio  and  one  bundle 
of  loose  letters.* 

The  bound  volumes  (74,  I  and  74,  II)  contain,  according  to 
the  catalogue,  98  and  50  numbers  respectively.  But,  as  often 
several  documents  are  put  under  one  number,  the  whole  num- 
ber of  separate  documents  is  somewhat  larger,  namely  164, 
covering  the  years  1731-1754. 

The  remaining  letters,  and  especially  the  minutes  of  the 
Pennsylvania  Coetus,  are  preserved  in  bundle  92  B,  contain- 
ing 169  separate  documents  of  the  years  1752-1790.  There 
is  only  one  document  in  this  bundle  of  an  earlier  date,  a  peti- 
tion from  York,  written  on  October  26,  1748. 

Finally,  the  portfolio  No.  86  contains  17  later  documents, 
from  1790-1806,  most  of  them  referring  to  the  distribution  of 
the  Pennsylvania  funds  held  by  the  Synods. 

5.  Account  Books  of  the  Synods. 
Two  account  books,  under  No.  75,  give  full  statements  of 
how  the  Pennsylvania  funds  were  accumulated,  invested,  ap- 
plied to  the  needs  of  the  Pennsylvania  churches,  and  finally 
distributed  among  the  different  Synods  according  to  the  ratio 
of  their  contributions. 

n.    THE   ARCHIVES   AT   AMSTERDAM,   HOLLAND. 

The  archives  of  the  Classis  of  Amsteidam  are  located  in  the 
"  Nieuwe  Kerk,"  near  the  royal  palace.  They  contain  the 
following  sets  of  documents  relating  to  the  churches  of  Penn- 
sylvania :     , 

1.  The  Acts  of  the  (Old)  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 
The  minutes  of  the  Classis  cover  eighteen  folio  volumes, 
closely  written,  extending  from  1582-1810.     From  1728-1810 
(or  in  Vols.  X-XVIII)  are  found  many,  but  mostly  short,  refer- 
ences to  Pennsylvania,  beginning  with  the  application  for 

•  For  a  photograph  of  these  records,  taken  by  the  writer,  see  The  Re- 
formed  Church  in  Pennsylvania,  by  Rev.  Dr.  J.  H.  Dubbs,  facing  p.  200. 


IXTEODUCTION.  xiii 

Kev.  Mr.  Boelmi's  ordination  and  ending  wdtli  the  distribution 
of  the  Pennsylvania  funds. 

2.  The  Acts  of  the  Classical  Deputies. 

As  the  Sjmods,  so  the  Classis  had  an  executive  committee,  or, 
perhaps,  more  properly  speaking,  a  board  of  foreign  missions, 
Avhose  members  were  called  "  Deputati  ad  res  exteras."  At 
a  later  date  the  Deputies  for  Pennsylvania  became  a  separate 
committee.  The  work  of  these  Deputies  is  recorded  in  six 
folio  volumes,  numbered  XX-XXV.  Beginning  with  Volume 
XXII,  we  have  many  references  to  Pennsylvania.  These  vol- 
umes contain  not  only  the  minutes  of  the  Deputies,  but  also 
numerous  extracts  of  letters  from  foreign  churches.  Some 
of  the  volumes  present,  indeed,  a  curious  medley  of  minutes 
and  letters. 

3.  Classical  Correspondence. 

The  Deputies  of  the  Classis  did  not  only  keep  copies  of  all 
the  letters  sent  to  foreign  churches,  but  they  also  made  ex- 
tracts, in  Dutch,  of  all  the  letters  received  from  abroad. 
Hence  we  have  again  two  sets  of  volumes: 

a.  The  copy-books  of  letters  sent  to  foreign  churches. 
There  are  seven  consecutive  volumes  of  such  letters,  numbered 
according  to  the  inventory.  Vols.  XXVI-XXXII,  and  cover- 
ing the  years  1648-1804.  These  volumes  contain  copies  of 
hundreds  of  letters,  of  which  thirty-two  are  addressed  to  the 
ministers  and  churches  of  Pennsylvania. 

&.  The  following  volumes  contain  extracts  of  letters  from 
foreign  churches:  Vol.  XXXIII,  1759-1780,  and  Vol.  XXXIV, 
1780-1792. 

Vol.  XXXV  is  entirely  devoted  to  Pennsylvania,  containing 
146  letters,  both  from  Pennsylvania  and  Holland,  covering 
the  years  1752-1772.  At  the  other  end  of  the  volume  the  cor- 
responding Acts  of  the  Pennsylvania  Deputies  are  entered. 
Another  volume,  containing  the  letters  and  Acts  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Deputies  from  1772-1792,  is  apparently  missing. 

Besides  these  bound  volumes  of  correspondence,  there  are 
twenty-five  portfolios  of  original  letters  from  all  over  the 
world.     According  to  the  Eev.  E.  T.  Corwin,  D.  D.,*  the  fol- 

*  See  Ecclesiastical  Eecords  of  tlie  State  of  New  Yorl',  p.  22,  f. 


xiv  INTEODUCTION. 

lowing  countries  are  represented:  Four  portfolios  containing 
letters  from  the  East  Indies,  three  from  Ceylon,  seven  from 
the  AVest  Indies,  two  from  Curacao  and  Surinam,  one  from 
the  smaller  islands  of  the  West  Indies,  two  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  three  from  North  America,  of  which  two  contain 
the  letters  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  churches  of  New  York  and 
New  Jersey,  and,  finally,  one  portfolio,  with  eighty-eight 
documents,  relating  to  the  Reformed  churches  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. To  these  twenty-five  other  documents  have  recently 
been  added,  which  were  found  by  Dr.  Corwin  in  one  of  the 
New  York  portfolios.  The  newly-found  letters  are  especially 
welcome,  because  they  cover  the  earliest  period,  from  1727- 
1745. 

These  are  the  documents  relating  to  the  Reformed  Church 
of  Pennsylvania  which  are  preserved  in  Holland. 

III.    THE  ARCHIVES  AT  NEW  BRUNSWICK,  N.   J. 

In  1841  the  State  of  New  York  sent  the  Hon.  J.  R.  Brod- 
head  to  Europe  to  secure  transcripts  of  original  documents 
relating  to  the  history  of  New  York  in  England,  Holland  and 
France.  He  was  also  requested  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas 
DeAYitt,  one  of  the  pastors  of  the  Collegiate  Reformed  Church 
of  New  York,  to  search  the  archives  of  the  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam for  documents  bearing  on  the  history  of  the  Dutch  Re- 
formed Church.  As  the  result  of  his  mission,  Brodhead  ob- 
tained about  nine  hundred  pages  of  transcripts  from  the 
Acts  of  the  Classis  and  the  Classical  correspondence,  and  also 
seven  bundles  of  original  letters  from  America,  which  the 
Classis  at  first  loaned,  and  in  1846  presented,  to  the  Dutch 
Reformed  Church.  Among  these  bundles  were  two  with 
letters  from  Pennsylvania.*  The  documents  arrived  in  Amer- 
ica in  September,  1842,  being  delivered  into  the  custody  of 
Dr.  DeWitt.  In  the  next  month  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Church,  in  session  at  Lewisburg,  instructed  its  delegates  to 
the  Synod  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  ''  respectfully  to 
ask  of  that  body  the  use  of  the  documents  recently  received  by 
them    from   Holland."     (Minutes  of  1842,   p.   19.)     In   the 

*  See  Av'sierdavi  Correspondevce,  by  Dr.  E.  T.  Corwin,  in  Vol.  VIII 
of  the  Transactions  of  the  American  Society  of  Church  History,  p.  92,  ff. 


INTEODUCTION.  Xy 

following  year  they  Avere  loaned  to  Rev.  Dr.  Lcaa^s  ]\Iayer. 
According  to  a  note  in  his  copy-book,  he  received  them  oa 
June  22,  1843.  He  copied  them  carefully  into  two  bounds 
volumes,  known  as  the  "  Mayer  Manuscripts."  After  the 
death  of  Dr.  ]Mayer.  S^iiod  made  strenuous  efforts  to  secure 
his  manuscripts,  and  finally  succeeded,  in  1856,  when  the 
special  committee,  appointed  for  this  purpose,  reported  that 
they  had  secured  the  said  documents,  ' '  consisting  of  the  man- 
uscript volumes,  transcribed  ^vith  great  labor  and  care  froni 
original  sources,  together  ^^-ith  original  letters,  copies  of  Min- 
utes of  Coetus,  etc."  (Minutes  of  1856,  p.  90.)  Dr.  Har- 
baugh  used  these  volumes  extensively  in  the  preparation  of 
his  ' '  Fathers  of  the  Reformed  Church. ' '  Unfortunately,  the 
second  volume  has  since  been  lost.  The  first  volume  contains 
copies  of  sixty-two  documents,  from  1738-1775.  They  are  of 
more  than  usual  importance,  because  a  number  of  originals 
have  been  lost.  AMien  Dr.  DeAYitt  died,  the  documents  were 
transferred  to  the  archives  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  ii| 
the  Sage  Library  at  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  According  to  the 
index  of  Dr.  Cor^^dn,  there  ought  to  be  seventy-four  docu- 
ments in  this  collection,  but  hardly  sixty  have  sur\dved.  ex- 
tending from  1738-1783. 

The  documents  published  from  this  collection  in  the  present 
volume  are  marked  with  the  initials  N.  B. 

IV.    THE    HARBAUGH    MANUSCRIPTS. 

The  nucleus  of  the  Harbaugh  collection,  which  was  until  re- 
cently at  Lancaster,  represents,  without  question,  the  rem- 
nants of  the  Coetus  archives.  In  1817  the  Synod  of  the  Re- 
formed Church  passed  the  following  resolution : 

"  Whereas,  the  letters  and  documents  of  Synod  have  much 
increased,  it  was  resolved  to  deposit  them  in  the  archives  of 
the  Reformed  Church  at  Lancaster,  where  some  are  preserved 
already,  and  to  ask  the  present  minister.  Rev.  Mr.  Hoffmeier, 
clerk  of  Synod,  to  hand  them  to  the  consistory,  with  the  re- 
quest not  to  surrender  any  without  the  express  order  of 
S^Tiod."     (Minutes  of  1817.  Session  TV,  article  11.) 

That  this  resolution  of  S^^lod  was  carried  out  is  sho^\^l  by 
the  fact  that  twenty-two  credentials  of  elders  attending  the 


xvi  INTRODUCTION. 

Synod  of  181(5  aud  thirty-six  credentials  of  1817  are  now  in 
the  Harbaugh  collection.  Synod  continued  to  deposit  docu- 
ments at  Lancaster  till  1823,  after  which  date  the  archives  at 
Lancaster  seem  to  have  been  completely  forgotten  till  1838, 
when  Synod  met  in  Lancaster.  At  that  meeting  a  committee 
was  appointed  "  to  examine  the  documents  in  the  archives  at 
Lancaster,  written  in  the  Low  Dutch  language,  and  of  which 
it  is  not  known  whether  they  belong  to  Synod  or  to  the  con- 
gregation."  (Minutes  of  1838,  p.  54.)  In  the  following 
year  the  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  Dr.  Willers  and  elder 
H.  Puntius,  made  a  lengthy  report  about  nine  Dutch  letters, 
eeven  of  which  were  claimed  as  the  property  of  Synod.  In 
the  following  year  SSynod  ordered  their  translation  and  pub- 
lication. They  appeared  in  pamphlet  form,  under  the  title: 
*'  Letters  from  Holland  connected  with  the  first  organization 
of  the  German  Reformed  Church  in  the  United  States  of  North 
America.  Chambersburg,  1841."  It  was  the  first  effort  of 
Synod  to  publish  historical  documents.  The  letters  thus 
printed  are  the  following  numbers  in  the  Harbaugh  collection : 
Nos.  46,  59,  62,  63,  65,  71,  72.  Afterwards  the  records  of  the 
Coetus  were  indexed  by  Dr.  L.  Mayer,  as  is  shown  by  his  en- 
dorsements on  many  of  the  Harbaugh  documents.  He  also 
states,  in  a  note  on  p.  151  of  his  own  manuscripts:  "  I  find 
since  that  the  autographs  or  copies,  or  both  autographs  and 
copies,  were  deposited  in  the  Coetal  archives  at  Lancaster, 
where  most  of  them  were  lost."  The  collection  numbered  at 
that  time  at  least  forty-seven  documents,  for  that  number  was 
put  by  Dr.  Mayer  on  what  is  now  Harbaugh  MSS.  No.  95. 

When  Dr.  H.  Harbaugh  was  pastor  of  the  First  church  at 
Lancaster,  1850-1860,  not  only  the  documents  in  the  archives 
of  the  congregation,  but  also  the  Mayer  MSS.,  passed  into  his 
keeping.  With  their  help  he  wrote  his  excellent  ''  Life  of 
Rev.  Michael  Schlatter  "  and  the  first  two  volumes  of  the 
*'  Fathers  of  the  Reformed  Church." 

After  the  death  of  Dr.  Harbaugh,  the  documents  which  he 
had  collected  were  presented  by  his  widow  to  the  Rev.  U.  H. 
ITeilman,  then  her  pastor  at  Lewisburg.  In  a  recent  letter 
Rev.  Mr.  ITeilman  states:  ''  After  the  volume  had  been  in  my 
possession  for  t^n  or  more  years,  I  sent  it  to  Dr.  Dubbs,  at 


INTRODUCTION. 


XVll 


Lancaster,  for  the  use  of  the  Historical  Society  of  our  Church. 
It  remained  there  until  Dr.  Dubbs  informed  me  that  the  Soci- 
ety had  been  dissolved.  I  suggested  to  Dr.  Dubbs,  and  he 
assented  to  this,  that  he  should  return  the  volume  to  me,  which 
he  did  in  due  time.'' 

Examining  the  volume  more  carefully,  we  find  that  it  con- 
sists of  three  main  parts.  First  the  records  of  the  Coetus  of 
Pennsylvania,  from  1771-1793,  in  all  forty-six  documents,  or 
the  following  numbers  in  the  collection:  Nos.  30,  31,  37,  41, 
45,  46,  48-52,  55-68,  70-77,  79-81,  83,  85-87,  89-92,  94.  Sec- 
ondly, the  records  of  the  congregation  at  Lancaster,  consisting 
of  twenty  letters  addressed  to  the  consistory,  or  Nos.  7-16, 
25-28,  33,  42,  47,  78,  95,  140.  Thirdly,  the  documents  gath- 
ered by  Dr.  Harbaugh  himself  from  many  different  sources. 
Rev.  Dr.  Wm..  Helffrich  presented  fifteen  letters  to  him  in 
October,  1857,  as  is  shown  by  a  note  on  document  No.  88. 
Rev.  Y.  H.  Fries  presented  ten,  Rev.  John  W.  Weber  four, 
Rev.  Thomas  Pomp  three,  and  Rev.  George  Wack  two  docu- 
ments. The  whole  collection,  indexed  by  the  writer  under 
144  numbers,  contains  in  all  about  200  separate  documents. 
It  is  certainly  the  most  important  collection  of  German  Re- 
formed documents  in  this  country,  and  it  is  indeed  fortunate 
that  it  has  safely  survived  its  checkered  history.  Twenty- 
seven  of  its  documents  are  published  in  the  present  volume. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS, 


PAGE 

1.  1734,  October  18.     First  Eeport  of  Boehm  (Dutch) 1 

2.  1739,  January  14.     Second  Report  of  Boehm   (German) 6 

3.  1744,  July  8.     Third  Eeport  of  Boehm   (Dutch) 17 

4.  1747,  Sept.  29,  ff.     Minutes  of  First  Coetus  (German) 32 

5.  1748,  Sept.  28,  ff.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (German).  39 

6.  ' '     Nov.  21.     Coetal  Letter   (German) 47 

7.  "            ^ '           Constitution  of  Coetus  (German) 49 

8.  1749,  Oct.  20-24.     Extract  from  Schlatter's  Journal  (Dutch)..  53 

9.  "      Oct.  23.     Schlatter's     Commission      to     write     Minutes 

(Dutch) 54 

10.  "     Oct.  22.     Decision     of     Coetus     in     favor     of     Schlatter 

(Dutch) 55 

11.  "      Oct.  23.     Resolution   of  Coetus   in  Lancaster   case    (Ger- 

man)    57 

12.  "      Oct.  24.     Schlatter  exonerated  in  Reiff  case   (German)..  58 
13.  1750,  Nov.   16,  ff.     Extract  from  Schlatter's  Journal    (Dutch).  60 

14.  ''     Dec.  13.     Letter    of    Coetus    to    Lancaster    congregation 

(German) 60 

15.  1751,  Sept.  12.     Reference  to  Coetus  of  1751  (Dutch) 62 

16.  1752,  Aug.  10-13.     Minutes  of  Special  Coetus   (Dutch) 63 

17.  "      Oct.  18-24.     Minutes     of     Coetus     held     in     Lancaster 

(Dutch) 65 

18.  ''     Dec.  12.     Minutes  of  Special  Coetus   (Dutch) 79 

19.  1753,  April  26-27.      Minutes     of     Coetus     held    in     Lancaster 

(Dutch) 85 

20.  "     Oct.  9-10.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Dutch).  91 

21.  "      Oct.  10-12.     Minutes  of  Rival  Coetus  at  Cocalico  (Dutch).  106 

22.  1754,  Oct.  30  to  Nov.  2.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Philadelphia 

(Dutch) 114 

23.  "     Nov.  3.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (Dutch) 119 

24.  '*     Nov.  2.     Address  of  Coetus  to  Governor  Morris   (Latin).  120 

25.  *'     Dec.  17.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Classis  (Dutch) 121 

26.  1755,  April  9-11.    Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Dutch).  123 

27.  ''      June.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Classis  (Dutch) 132 

28.  "      Oct.  8.     Minutes  of  Special  Coetus   (Latin) 133 

29.  1756,  June  15-17.      Minutes    of    Coetus    held    in    Philadelphia 

(Latin) 140 

(xix) 


tx  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAQK 

30.  "     June  16.     Letter  of  Coetus  to  Franklin  (English) 148 

31.  "  ' '  Distribution  of  Donations  (Latin) 149 

32.  1757,  June  8-9.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster,  includ- 

ing Minutes  of  Special  Coetus,  Aug.  24  (Latin) 150 

33.  "     Sept.  30.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Classis  (Latin) 162 

34.  1758,  Sept.  14-16.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (Latin) .  .   165 

35.  "     Oct.  17.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (Latin) 169 

36.  1759,  March  31.     Distribution  of  Donations   (Latin) 172 

37.  "     Oct.  9.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Goshenhoppen  (Latin).  173 

38.  1760,  May  28.     Minutes  of  Special  Coetus  (Dutch) 184 

39.  "  *'      Letter  of  thanks  addressed  to  P.  Stein  (Dutch)  . .   189 

40.  "      Oct.  21-22.      Minutes    of    Coetus    held    in    Germantown 

(Dutch) 191 

41.  1761,  June  24-25.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Dutch).  196 

42.  "  "  Distribution  of  Donations   (Dutch) 200 

43.  *'  "  Eeport     of    Alsentz     on    State     of    Church 

(Dutch) 202 

44.  1762,  June  30,  ff.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  at  New  Hanover 

(German) 204 

45.  ''      Oct.  27.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 211 

46.  1763,  May  5-6.      Minutes     of     Coetus    held     in     Germantown 

(Dutch) 213 

47.  "     June  18.      Eesolution    of    Coetus    on    Mr.    Kothenbuhler 

(English) 218 

48.  "     Oct.  24.     Minutes  of  Special  Coetus    (Dutch) 220 

49.  1764,  May  2-3.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (Dutch) 223 

50.  **      Sept.  12.      Extract     from     Minutes     of    Special     Coetus       ^ 

(Dutch) 228 

51.  **     Dec.  18.     Letter    of    Coetus    to    Lancaster    congregation 

(German) : 230 

52.  1765,  May  8-9.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Dutch).  231 

53.  "      Oct.  16-17.     Minutes  of  Special  Coetus   (Dutch) 238 

54.  1766,  Sept.  3-4.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Reading  (Dutch) .  .   242 

55.  1767,  Sept.  16-17.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Ger- 

man)     252 

56.  1768,  Sept.  7-9.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Easton  (German)  . .    260 

57.  "  ''  Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 273 

58.  1769,  Sept.  20-21.      Minutes    of    Coetus    held    in    Germantown 

(German) 279 

59.  "     Sept.  20-21.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 292 

60.  1770,  Sept.  19-21.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (German).  295 

61.  "      Dec.  7.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 304 

62.  1771,  Oct.  9-10.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Reading  (German).  307 

63.  "     Oct.  10.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 322 

64.  1772,  June  17-18.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Ger- 

man)     324 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS.  xxi 

PACK 

65.  1773,  Oct.  27-28.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster    (Ger- 

man)     335 

66.  "     Nov.  26.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  and  Classis  (Ger- 

man)    340 

67.  1774,  May  2-3.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.   (German) .  .   343 

68.  "     June  6.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  and  Classis   (Ger- 

man)     347 

69.  1775,  May  10-11.     Minutes   of  Coetus  held  in  Lebanon    (Ger- 

man)    349 

70.  "     May  12.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  and  Classis  (Ger- 

man)    352 

71.  1776,  May  1.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (German).  353 

72.  "     May  2.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Classis  (German) 357 

73.  1777,  April  28-29.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Eeading    (Ger- 

tnan) 359 

74.  * '     April  29.     Coetal  Letter  (German) 364 

75.  1779,  April  28-29.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Ger- 

man)     366 

76.  ^'     April  28-29.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German)...   371 

77.  1781,  May  9.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  PhUa.  (German) 372 

78.  1782,  May  1.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Eeading  (German) .  .   376 

79.  ''  "  Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Classis  (German) 381 

80.  1783,  May  14-15.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (German).  382 

81.  1784,  May  12-13.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Dutch).  387 

82.  ''     May  13.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods   (Dutch) 392 

83.  1785,  April  27-28.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Eeading    (Ger- 

man)      394 

84.  "     April  29.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 402 

85.  1786,  May  17-18.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (German).  405 

86.  ''  "  Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 409 

87.  1787,  June  5-7.     Minutes   of   Coetus   held   in   Lancaster    (Ger- 

man)      411 

88.  "     June  5-7.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 415 

89.  "     June  2.     Extract  from  accounts  of  Widows'  Fund  (Ger- 

man)     416 

90.  1788,  April  23-24.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Eeading   (Ger- 

man)     418 

91.  ""  April  23-24.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 424 

92.  1789,  June  10-11.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (German).  427 

93.  "  "  Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 431 

94.  ''  "  Address  of  Coetus  to  Washington  and  his 

answer    (English) 434 

95.  1790,  June  7-8.     Minutes   of   Coetus  held   at   Falkner   Swamp 

(German) 436 

96.  **     June  20.     Coetal  Letter  sent  to  Synods  (German) 441 

97.  "     July  6.     Eeport  on  contributions  from  Holland  (German).  443 


xxii  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

PAGS 

98.  1791,  June  27-28.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  (Ger- 

man)    444 

99.  1792,  May  6-7.     Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Phila.  (German) .  .  .  448 
100.      '*  "  Congregational    report    of    Kev.    Mr.    Helffrich 

(Grerman) 452 


BOEHM'S  REPORT  TO  THE  SYNODS. 

OCTOBEE  18,  1734. 

(Hague  74,  i.  18.) 

True  and  desired  statistics  of  the  German  Reformed  con- 
gregations in  Pennsylvania,  showing  how  many  communicants 
were  found  at  the  last  Lord's  Supper  in  each  congregation, 
drawn  up  as  follows  by  the  undersigned : 

Congregations.  Communicants. 

At  Falkner  Swamp  were  found,  September  22,  1734.  .   63 

At  Skippack  were  found,  September  29,  1734 41 

At  Whitemarsh  were  found,  October  6,  1734 22 

At  Philadelphia  were  found,  September  15,  1734 88 

At  German  town  were  found  (according  to  the  state- 
ment of  two  elders,  named  Minck  and  Bentzel),  in 

the  month  of  September,  1734 30 

At  Conestoga  were  found.  May  31,  1730 75 

At  Tulpehocken  were  found,  June  28,  1728 27 

At  Goshenhoppen  (according  to  the  statement  of  some 
members)  about 40 


386 
(I  wish  to  state  that  certainly  one-half  of  the  communicants 
of  these  congregations  arrived  here  not  long  ago,  are  poor 
people,  and  partly  servants.) 

Further  report  from  Pennsylvania  regarding  the  above 
mentioned  eight  congregations,  including  besides  them  sev- 
eral places,  w^hich  need  to  be  provided  for  as  much  as  possible, 
— these  are :  Oley,  and  also  Saucon,  in  whose  neighborhood  are 
Macungie,  Maxatawny  and  Great  Swamp,  where,  notwith- 
standing their  being  scattered  very  far  apart,  yet  a  consider- 
able number  of  people  can  come  together.  As  the  population 
increases  other  congregations  may  be  organized ;  for  the  pres- 
ent, however,  although  with  much  difficulty,  they  can  suitably 
be  served  by  four  ministers  in  the  following  manner : 

1.  By  one  minister,  Philadelphia  and  Germantown,  which 
are  six  English  miles  apart;  and  as  Germantown  is  a  very 

(1) 


2  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

advantageous  place,  if  the  congregation  there  would  fra- 
ternally unite  with  that  of  Whitemai^h  (since  they  are 
very  weak  and  but  four  English  miles  apart,  and  most  of  the 
people  are  going  to  live  at  Germantown)  the  same  might  very 
properly  change  its  location  [to  Germantown],  about  which 
I,  as  the  regular  pastor  at  AVhitemarsh,  have  already  spoken 
to  the  elders  of  Whitemarsh,  who  also  agree  with  me  in  ac- 
knowledging this  to  be  beneficial  and  serviceable,  and  in  case 
any  order  were  given  in  this  matter  they  would  be  mlling  to 
obey.  By  means  of  such  a  union  they  would  also  be  in  a 
better  condition  in  due  time  to  support  a  pastor  themselves. 

2.  By  the  second  minister,  Falkner  Swamp  and  Skippack, 
which  are  about  twelve  English  miles  apart;  and  if  he  would 
conduct  services  at  each  of  these  places  once  every  three 
weeks,  he  might  between  times,  and  on  one  Sunday,  according 
to  opportunity,  preach  at  Oley,  and  wherever  it  might  be 
necessary. 

3.  By  the  third  minister,  Conestoga  and  Tulpehocken,  and 
whereas  Conestoga  is  spread  over  a  great  extent  of  territory 
(almost  if  not  more  than  seventy  English  miles  from  Phila- 
delphia), and  has  very  many  Reformed  people,  if  they  had  a 
faithful  pastor  of  their  own  they  might  then  be  united  [into 
one  charge],  so  that  the  pastor  could  conduct  services  at 
two  or  three  places,  as  it  might  be  deemed  advisable,  and 
besides  have  services  every  four  weeks  at  Tulpehocken, 
which  is  eighteen  miles  distant.  Now  this  was  the  condition 
of  Conestoga  and  Tulpehocken  at  the  period  above  mentioned 
when  at  their  request  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to 
them,  and  Conestoga  accepted  and  subscribed  to  our  Church- 
Order  ;  and  although  they  were  scattered  by  Mr.  Peter  Miller, 
I  nevertheless  hope,  with  the  help  of  God,  to  restore  them  to 
their  former  condition. 

4.  A  fourth  minister  would  greatly  be  needed  at  Goshen- 
hoppen,  about  thirty-six  miles  from  Philadelphia.  He  might 
conduct  services  there  every  three  weeks,  and  use  the  rest  of 
the  time  to  feed  the  poor  sheep  at  the  end  of  the  wilderness, 
in  the  above  mentioned  Saucon,  Macungie,  Maxatawny  and 
Great  Swamp,  who  thirst  for  the  hearing  of  God's  word  as 
the  dry  earth  for  water.  ]\Tany  people  from  these  regions 
have  already  been  to  see  me  in  great  sadness,  and  complained 


SE COEDS  OF  1734.  o 

of  the  pitiable  state  of  their  souls.  There  were  also  some, 
who  being  able  to  make  the  journey,  have  come  at  various 
times  to  communion  in  the  congregation  entrusted  to  me  at 
Falkner  Swamp,  a  distance  of  certainly  twenty-five  to  thirty 
English  miles,  and  brought  children  for  baptism,  which  jour- 
ney, however,  is  impossible  for  old  persons  and  weak  or  preg- 
nant women,  so  that  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  (especially 
when  one  remembers  that  there  are  children  who  for  lack  of  a 
minister  cannot  be  brought  to  baptism  until  they  are  several 
years  of  age)  that  my  heart  breaks  and  my  eyes  are  full  of 
tears  about  this  condition.  But  I  cannot  accomplish  this 
work  alone,  for  my  years  are  beginning  to  accumulate,  and 
my  poor  body  is  also  getting  feeble,  since  I  must  not  only 
make  long  journeys  and  preach,  but  also,  because  these  poor 
people  are  not  able  to  support  me,  I  must  support  my  large 
family  with  manual  labor. 

It  is  indeed  true  that  three  young  ministers  have  been  here, 
namely,  Mr.  George  Michael  Weiss,  'Mv.  Peter  Miller,  and  Mr. 
Bartholomew  Rieger,  coming  from  the  Palatinate,  but  for 
what  they  have  done  here  I  wish  that  God  may  forgive  them, 
because,  after  they  had  disturbed  the  congregations  for  a  long 
time,  even  those  entrusted  to  my  care,  they  again  left  and 
abandoned  the  sheep  misled  by  their  shepherds.  Neverthe- 
less one  of  them  is  still  in  this  country,  namely,  Peter  Miller. 
AMien  this  man  could  not  bring  the  people  over  to  his  opinion, 
he  quitted  the  ministry  altogether,  and  he  is  now  a  presser 
of  oil  (Oly-persser).*  But  what  he  was  after,  and  thought  of 
persuading  the  people  to  do,  is  plainly  to  be  seen  from  this, 
overlooking  ever^^hing  else :  about  two  years  ago  he  went 
with  one  of  his  elders,  whom  he  had  installed  in  the  congrega- 
tion at  Goshenhoppen.  into  the  house  of  a  Seventh  Day  Bap- 
tist, and  there  they  allowed  themselves  to  be  called  brethren 
and  to  have  their  feet  washed  by  him:  and  this  is  the  truth, 
whereupon  followed  his  complete  degeneration. 

I  have  now,  for  about  eight  years,  ministered  in  my  poverty 
to  the  three  congregations  entrusted  to  me  at  Falkner  Swamp. 
Skippack  and  Wliitemarsh,  according  to  our  Church-Order. 

*  This  phrase  is  obscure ;  we  give  the  literal  translation  and  thp 
original  Dutch. 


4  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

To  tliem  has  been  added  three  months  ago  the  congregation  at 
Philadelphia,  which  has  entered  on  all  points  into  a  firm  and 
complete  agreement  with  me.  To  this  Church-Order  none 
of  the  three  above  mentioned  young  ministers  would  sub- 
mit, but  sought  to  live  according  to  their  own  ideas,  and 
Miller,  in  my  own  presence,  has  called  the  Heidelberg  Cate- 
chism a  work  of  men,  adding  that  Christians  were  a  free 
people,  and  had  no  need  of  a  head  on  earth,  that  Christ  in 
heaven  was  their  only  head,  and  that  he  would  not  allow 
himself  to  be  subjected  to  a  human  yoke,  etc.  Meanw^hile 
the  divisions  which  have  hitherto  prevailed  have  been,  by 
God's  grace,  mostly  overcome,  and  the  united  congregations 
and  members  live  in  peace.  Those  few  who,  in  spite  of  every 
admonition,  Avill  not  as  yet  unite  in  love,  according  to  the 
rule  of  God's  Sacred  Word,  we  leave  to  their  well-deserved 
judgment. 

Thus  writes,  acccording  to  truth,  upon  his  inevitable  re- 
sponsibility before  the  judgment-seat  of  God,  he  who  esteems 
himself  the  least  of  all  the  servants  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  un- 
worthy of  the  Sacred  Gospel,  and  testifies  by  his  own  signa- 
ture. 

October  18,  1734.  John  Philip  Boehm, 

Reformed  Minister  in  Pennsylvania. 
These  foregoing  statistics,  and  the  additional  submiBsive 
report  and  the  proposals  made  with  due  deference,  we  recog- 
nize, according  to  our  bounden  duty,  as  useful,  and  tending 
to  promote  the  interests  of  our  true  church  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  we  agree  with  them  in  every  respect.  IMoreover,  we,  the 
present  ruling  elders  and  deacons  of  the  three  congregations 
at  Falkner  Swamp,  Skippack  and  Whitemarsh,  recognize  and 
honor  the  Rev.  Mr.  John  Philip  Boehm  as  a  minister  prop- 
erly ordained  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  Gualther  DuBois,  Henry 
Boel  and  Vincent  Antonides,  ministers  at  New  York  and 
Long  Island,  which  was  done  at  the  order  of  the  Rev.  Classis 
of  Amsterdam  (to  which  Rev.  Classis  we  sent  a  submissive 
petition  concerning  it).  This  ordination  took  place  in  the 
presence  of  three  of  us,  as  elders  delegated  for  this  purpose. 
We  also  recognize  him  as  our  pastor,  regularly  called,  and  as 
the  faithful  shepherd  of  our  souls,  who  has  hitherto  admin- 
istered his  office,  under  the  greatest  trials,  in  such  a  manner 


BECOEDS  OF  1734.  5 

that  we  cannot  complain  in  the  least  about  any  neglect  on  his 
part.  We  wish  that  the  good  Lord  may  graciously  preserve 
him  among  us  for  many  years  in  the  same  fidelity  and  zeal  to 
the  best  interests  of  his  Church.  This  we  sign  with  our  own 
hands,  and  dutifully  confirm  it,  in  Pennsylvania. 

Done  in  our  consistory  at  Falkner  Swamp,  October  18,  1734. 

GosEN  Thonis,  Elder. 

Sebastian  Reiffschneider,  Elder. 

SiGiSMUND  Schmidt,  Elder. 

John  Herb,  Elder. 

John  Henry  Schmidt,  Deacon. 

John  Drinktdenhengst,*  Deacon. 
Done  in  our  consistory  at  Sldppack,  October  27,  1734. 

John  Ulric  Stephen,  Elder. 

Jacob  Arent,  Sr.,  Elder. 

Philip  Henry  Soeller,  Elder. 

Christian  Leeman,  Elder. 

John  Dintenmeyer,  Deacon, 

Adam  Kind,  Deacon. 
Done  in  our  consistory  at  Whitemarsh,  October  28,  1734. 

William  De  Wees,  Elder. 

Christoffel  Ottinger,  Elder. 

Ludwig  Knaus,  Deacon. 

John  Michael  Gleim,  Deacon. 

*  Spelled   thus    in   the    original. 


BOEHM'S  REPORT  TO  CLASSIS  AND  SYNODS. 

JANUARY  14,  1739. 

(Amst.  Portfolio,  No.  3;  Hague  74,  i.  24.) 

After  his  Reverence,  Mr.  P.  H.  Dorsius,  minister  at  Jamine 
[Neshaminy],  in  Bucks  county,  Pennsylvania,  had  shown  to 
me,  the  undersigned,  on  the  28th  of  November,  1738,  in  his 
house  at  Neshaminy,  the  letters  sent  by  the  two  Christian 
Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland,  and  after  his  Reverence 
had  read  to  me  that  the  two  Christian  Sj^nods  for  the  sake  of 
convenience  had  authorized  and  ordained  him  as  inspector  of 
the  Pennsylvania  Reformed  congregations,  his  Reverence  re- 
quested me  to  give  a  report  on  the  following  questions : 

1.  How  many  German  Reformed  congregations  there  are  in 
Pennsylvania  and  how  far  they  are  from  each  other  ? 

2.  How  many  elders,  deacons  and  communicants  there  are 
in  each  congregation  and  how  many  are  served  by  me  ? 

3.  How  the  congregations  are  supplied  with  schoolmasters 
and  precentors? 

Therefore  I  have  considered  myself  under  obligation  to 
give  his  Reverence  a  dutiful  specification  and  to  make  a  full 
report  concerning  all  other  questions. 

As  far  as  I  know  the  congregations  of  the  High  German 
Reformed  people  in  Pennsylvania  are  these : 

(1)  Falkner  Swamp  (served  by  Boehm  as  regular  minister). 
In  this  congregation  there  are  always  four  elders  and  two 
deacons.  The  Lord's  Supper  is  administered  twice  a  year. 
The  communicants  on  September  17th,  1738,  were  89. 

(2)  Skippack  (about  twelve  English  miles  from  Falkner 
Swamp  and  served  by  Boehm  as  regular  minister).  In  this 
congregation  the  same  custom  as  to  the  Lord's  Supper  pre- 
vails.    Communicants  on  September  24th,  1738,  were  36. 

(3)  Whitemarsh  (about  sixteen  English  miles  from  Skip- 
pack.  This  Whitemarsh  is  not  more  than  four  English  miles 
from  Germantown.  Most  of  the  people  live  still  nearer,  and 
are  about  ten  miles  from  Philadelphia.  Served  by  Boehm  as 
regular  minister).     In  this  congregation  there  are  only  two 

(6) 


EECOEDS  OF  17 39.  7 

elders  and  two  deacons,  on  accoimt  of  the  small  number  of 
members,  but  as  to  the  Lord's  Supper  the  same  custom  pre- 
vails as  in  the  other  two  congregations.  Communicants  on 
September  3d,  1738,  were  29. 

N.  B.  With  regard  to  the  congregation  at  Skippack  we 
must  mention  that  it  is  so  weak  because  for  quite  a  time  one 
after  another  has  continued  the  confusion  caused  by  Do.*  Weis 
in  the  year  1728,  which  Henry  Goetschi  still  continues  at  this 
time  and  preaches  to  the  followers  of  Reiff  (although  there 
are  very  few  of  them)  as  if  he  were  a  regular  minister.  And 
still  another,  by  the  name  of  John  William  Straub,  has  also 
been  bold  enough  to  officiate  as  minister  in  all  things. 
Through  him  a  considerable  number  of  people  have  been 
drawn  away  from  the  congregation.  Otherwise  it  would  be 
again  as  strong. 

(4)  Philadelphia  (is  served  by  Boehm) .  It  is  six  English 
miles  from  Germantown.  This  congregation  has  accepted 
the  Constitution  (which  is  in  the  Pennsylvania  minutes  of 
the  Very  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  which  is  in  use 
there)  in  the  month  of  July,  1734.  The  congregation  has 
thus  far  been  served  by  John  Philip  Boehm,  w^hom  they  ac- 
cepted as  their  regular  pastor.  He  holds  services  in  this 
congregation  every  four  weeks.  On  September  lOth^  1738, 
the  communicants  present  were  75. 

(5)  Germantow^n.  With  this  congregation  I  have  had  no 
personal  relations,  nor  have  I  any  exact  knowledge  about  its 
condition  because,  although  it  was  often  proposed  to  them, 
they  never  would  submit  to  any  church  order.  Yet  this  much 
is  know^n  to  me  (because  I  asked  two  of  the  elders,  ]Minch 
[Muench]  and  Benzel),  that  in  the  month  of  September,  1734, 
there  had  been  about  30  communicants.  Since  then  John 
Bechtel  has  preached  for  them  and  has  undertaken  to  ad- 
minister the  Sacraments.  Then  they  also  allowed  the  old 
Guide  [Guldin]  to  preach  in  their  church,  and  now  the  Lu- 
therans also  make  use  of  it,  and  thus  the  Reformed  people 
there  are  at  present  in  a  rather  poor  condition. 

(6)  Conestoga.     This  place  is  very  far  away,  a  distance 

*  The  Dutch  Do.  for  Domine,  minister,  we  retain  to  preserve  the  then 
current  title. 


8  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

of  more  thau  seventy  miles  from  Pliiladelphia.  The  Reformed 
people  there  have  in  fact  organized  themselves  into  three 
congregations,  the  first  which  was  started  I  call  the  Hill 
church;  it  lies  in  the  center.  This  I  served  (in  agreement 
with  their  call  to  visit  them  twice  a  year)  on  October  15th, 
1727.  And,  as  it  was  the  first  time  that  a  [Reformed]  com- 
munion service  was  ever  celebrated  at  Conestoga,  there  were 
present  59  communicants,  but  these  visits  were  made  only  a 
few  times.  Then  Do.  Weiss  slandered  me  in  this  congrega- 
tion by  a  very  abusive  letter  (which  I  have  in  my  possession). 
He  thereby  misled  them  and  drew  the  congregation  to  him- 
self. But  soon  afterwards  he  again  left  them,  whereupon 
Miller  went  there  to  carry  on  the  work  of  Weiss.  At  that 
time  Miller  drew  also  Tulpehocken  to  himself.  I  warned 
them  frequently  against  this  false  spirit,  but  the  misguided 
and  simple-minded  people  clung  to  him,  until  finally  the 
deception,  with  regard  to  which  I  had  so  faithfully  warned 
them,  came  to  light,  and  this  Miller  publicly  went  over  to  the 
evil  sect  of  the  Seventh  Day  Baptists,  and  was  baptized  as  a 
Dunker  at  Conestoga  in  the  month  of  April,  1735.  He  took 
with  him  about  10  families,  Lutheran  and  Reformed,  from 
the  congregation  at  Tulpehocken,  who  followed  his  example. 

This  caused  a  great  alarm  among  the  congregations.  Those 
that  were  kept  by  God  sent  therefore  again  messengers  and 
letters  to  me  and  once  more  asked  for  help,  which  I  did  not 
dare  to  refuse.  I  again  went  to  them,  and  there  were  on  May 
11th,  1735,  in  said  first  congregation,  or  Hill  church,  at  Con- 
estoga, 92  communicants. 

On  the  same  journey  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper,  at 
their  own  request,  in  the  second  congregation  (the  name  of 
which  place  is  Cocalico) ,  which  had  been  gathered  at  a  former 
time.     There  were  present,  as  communicants,  60. 

But  as  to  the  third  congregation  in  Conestoga,  which  has 
organized  itself  in  the  new  town  called  Lancaster,  I  have  no 
information,  for  up  to  this  time  they  acted  according  to  their 
own  pleasure.  They  have  never  cared  for  church  order,  but 
thus  far  have  allowed  themselves  to  be  served  by  irregular 
men.  However,  I  hear  that  they  have  a  pretty  strong  con- 
gregation. 

These  three  places  lie  in  the  Conestoga  district,  Lancaster 


BE  CORDS  OF  17  S9.  ..> 

southward,  six  miles  to  the  Hill  church,  then  six  miles  north 
to  Cocalico. 

(7)  Tulpehocken  (18  miles  from  Conestoga,  is  served  by 
Boehm),  This  place  is  about  as  far  from  Philadelphia  as 
Conestoga  (both  situated  towards  the  northwest).  It  is  a 
pretty  large  place,  and  the  congregation  there  had  also  con- 
templated a  division.  But  it  seemed  to  me  that  it  would  be 
better  to  have  a  meeting-place  in  the  center,  as  it  had  been 
in  the  beginning.  With  this  plan  the  majority  agreed,  even 
those  who  live  at  a  great  distance  from  the  center.  Then  the 
minister  could  supply  the  neighboring  places,  where  already 
many  people  live,  and  where  still  more  are  gathering,  at  the 
times  appointed  to  serve  them  as  it  might  be  arranged 
later  on. 

Some  years  ago  it  seemed  that  Conestoga  and  Tulpehocken 
could  be  served  with  difficulty,  but  if  necessary  by  one  minis- 
ter. But  since  then  both  have  spread  to  such  an  extent  that  it 
is  impossible  for  one  minister  to  serve  them  as  they  should  be 
served.  For  this  Tulpehocken  has  much  increased  since  Miller 
has  become  such  a  disgrace,  and  I  travel  thither,  according  to 
their  request,  twice  a  year  and  administer  the  Lord's  Supper. 
On  October  19th  and  22d  of  last  year  [1738]  there  were  pres- 
ent as  communicants  in  the  two  places  134. 

N.  B.  When  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  there  for 
the  first  time,  in  the  month  of  October,  1727,  at  the  same  time 
as  at  Conestoga,  there  were  only  32  communicants.  In  this 
congregation  there  are,  in  accordance  with  our  Church-Order, 
four  elders  and  two  deacons.  Two  elders  and  one  deacon 
regularly  go  out  of  office  every  year  and  just  as  many  come 
in,  the  same  as  in  all  the  congregations  w^hich  I  serve. 

(8)  Goshenhoppen.  Of  this  congregation  I  know  little, 
for  it  never  wanted  to  be  under  our  Church- Order,  but 
desired  to  be  its  own  master.  When  Do.  Weiss,  as  stated 
above,  came  into  the  country  and  caused  great  confusion, 
they  faithfully  adhered  to  him.  When  he  traveled  to  Holland 
in  order  to  obtain  the  well  known  moneys  collected  there  they 
immediately  clung  to  Miller,  who,  assisted  by  another  person, 
continued  to  serve  Goshenhoppen.  By  their  services  at  Skip- 
pack,  they  kept  the  congregation  there  in  a  state  of  continuous 
restlessness,  which  had  been  begun  by  Weiss.     All  my  peti- 


10  COETVS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

tions,  entreaties  and  warnings  were  in  vain.  After  these 
men  had  failed,  they  arbitrarily  made  Henry  Goetschi  their 
pretended  minister  when  he  was  hardly  eighteen  years  of 
age,  and  but  half  a  year  before  had  received  the  Lord's 
Supper  for  the  first  time  from  Do.  Rieger  at  Germantown. 
Goetschi  then  soon  undertook  to  administer  the  Lord 's  Supper 
and  to  baptize,  to  install  elders  and  to  marry  people.  In 
short,  he  did  what  belongs  to  the  office  of  a  regular  minister. 
Goshenhoppen  has  him  at  the  present  time  as  its  preacher, 
and  permits  him  to  establish  and  to  carry  on  all  this  disorder 
from  Goshenhoppen  as  a  center,  not  only  at  Skippack,  but  at 
other  places  also.  He  has  done  this,  for  instance,  at  Oley, 
where  he  has  misled  the  congregation,  which  was  established 
by  me  in  1736  at  tlieir  request,  and  he  now  also  serves  this 
congregation.  At  Tulpehocken  he  attempted  to  do  the  same 
thing  through  three  uncalled  for  visits,  but  he  was  refused. 
Yet  he  continues  such  improper  actions. 

Meanwhile  this  Goshenhoppen  is  a  congregation  or  a  place 
where  a  faithful  shepherd  and  minister  is  greatly  needed, 
through  whose  wise  administration  a  flourishing  congregation 
ought  soon  to  be  established.  There  are  also  several  places 
near  Goshenhoppen  which  should  be  provided  for,  as  Great 
Swamp  and  Saucon  Creek.  These,  although  they  might  be 
served  by  the  minister  of  Goshenhoppen  with  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  Sacraments  and  sometimes  with  a  sermon,  yet 
need  to  be  provided  with  readers  who  have  the  ability  to  cate- 
chise, especially  at  Saucon  Creek,  because  it  is  a  somewhat 
out-of-the-way-place  and  many  Reformed  people  live  there. 

(9)  Oley.  This  place  has  been  in  such  a  condition  since 
I  am  in  this  country  (which  is  now  about  18  years)  that  it  is 
astonishing  to  hear  about  the  many  sects  among  them.  The 
worst  were  those  who  called  themselves  the  "New  Born." 
Without  any  hesitation  they  declared  themselves  to  be  equal 
to  God  and  greater  than  our  Saviour;  they  pretended  to  be 
free  (from  sin),  and  more  such  things  which  it  would  be 
too  much  to  relate  here  in  detail.  However,  after  God  had 
removed  such  shameless  blasphemers  of  his  name,  the  true 
Christians  met  and  desired  to  establish,  by  the  help  of  God, 
a  congregation  according  to  our  true  Reformed  doctrine. 
They  therefore  applied  to  me  for  help   and   assistance    (of 


BECOBDS  OF  1739.  H 

which  I  have  proof).  "Whereupon  I  went  there  and  found 
with  heart-felt  joy,  after  a  careful  investigation,  a  goodly 
number  of  very  eager  souls  firm  in  our  Eeformed  doctrines. 
Then  I  began  the  Lord's  work  among  them.  I  called  the 
congregation  together  and  made  them  acquainted,  according 
to  the  best  of  my  ability,  with  our  Church-Order.  The  con- 
gregation then  elected  four  elders  and  two  deacons,  whom  I 
installed  according  to  the  Constitution  and  in  accordance 
with  the  desire  of  the  congregation  on  November  17th,  1736. 
The  congregation  then  desired  me  to  visit  them  twice  a  year 
(during  the  week)  to  administer  the  Lord's  Supper  and 
baptize  their  children.  AVhen  everything  had  been  duly  con- 
stituted, after  a  preparatory  service,  I  administered  the  Lord 's 
Supper,  and  the  communicants  present  numbered  40. 

But  scarcely  had  this  been  done  when  Henry  Goetschi  came 
and  acted  as  mentioned  above,  in  the  description  of  Goshen- 
hoppen.  Some  who  had  long  been  separated  from  the  Re- 
formed church  and  had  had  intercourse  with  the  above  men- 
tioned sects,  as  the  New  Born,  used  Goetschi  in  order  to  cause 
confusion  in  the  newly  organized  congregation.  To  make  a 
beginning  they  offered  that  if  the  congregation  would  accept 
this  Goetschi  they  would  again  come  back  to  the  Reformed 
church  and  be  helpful  in  all  things.  This  pleased  Goetschi, 
who  pretended  to  have  lately  been  recognized  and  ordained 
as  a  regular  minister  in  Philadelphia.  He  immediately 
preached  in  my  place,  and  directly  after  the  service  he  bap- 
tized a  child  before  the  congregation.  When  later  on  I  called 
the  elders  to  account  concerning  this  disorder  they  excused 
themselves  by  saying  they  had  not  asked  him  to  do  so;  they 
had  thought  that  he  was  ordained,  as  he  told  them,  and  he 
also  acted  as  if  I  were  satisfied  with  the  arrangement.  But 
the  consistory  was  thereby  divided,  because  some  of  the  elders 
and  deacons  had  not  at  all  consented  to  let  him  preach  unless 
having  previously  spoken  to  me  about  it,  and  since  they  now 
heard  the  contrary  they  were  all  at  variance.  But  those  who 
were  led  astray  let  everything  pass,  and  Goetschi  therefore 
continued, .  and  has  acted  up  to  this  time  as  if  he  were  an 
ordained  minister.  At  present  I  do  not  know  how  things  are 
there,  but  this  much  I  know,  that  a  part  of  the  elders  and 
deacons  whom  I  installed  have  until  now  ^vithdrawn  from 


12  COETUS  OF  PENNSyLVA2{lA 

the  work.  Nor  have  I  been  there  since,  because  there  has 
been  such  a  confusion  through  Goetschi  that  I  could  not  bring 
forth  any  fruit.  But  said  instigators  have  soon  been  lost  to 
us,  and  have  as  yet  aided  very  little  towards  the  building  up 
of  the  congregation. 

From  all  this  it  may  be  seen  how  necessar}^  it  is  that  a  very 
faithful  pastor  be  appointed  to  this  congregation,  that  he 
may  seek  the  lost  and  bring  back  those  who  have  gone  into 
error,  so  that  even  there  the  body  of  Christ  may  grow  through 
his  grace.  The  minister  of  this  congregation  can  also  supply 
the  place  which  is  called  Cacusi,  where  (as  I  hear)  likewise  a 
considerable  congregation  has  gathered.  This  place  is  about 
seven  or  eight  miles  from  the  center  in  Oley.  (Goetschi  has 
also  presumed  for  some  time  to  serve  this  congregation  with 
all  the  means  of  grace.)  A  minister  might  likewise  at  the 
same  time  serve  Maxatawny,  which  is  at  a  distance  of  ten 
miles. 

These  are  now  the  nine  main  congregations,  with  their 
preaching  places,  consisting  of  High  German  Reformed  peo- 
ple, in  Pennsylvania,  as  far  as  they  are  known  to  me,  together 
with  the  statement  how  far  they  are  apart  from  each  other 
and  whatever  other  information  was  required.  But  what- 
ever God  will  permit  to  grow  in  the  future  and  what  members 
he  will  gather  when  the  number  of  inhabitants  increases  is 
only  known  to  him.  However,  I  think  that  six  ministers 
would  be  sufficient  to  serve  these  congregations. 

Now  concerning  the  church  buildings  in  all  these  congre- 
gations there  have  been  erected  the  following  (as  far  as  I 
know)  : 

Germantown. — A  well  built,  pretty  large  stone  church. 

Conestoga. — The  Hill  congregation  has  a  small  log  church. 
The  congregation  at  Lancaster  has  one  of  logs. 
The  congregation  at  Cocalico  also  one  of  logs. 

Tulpehocken. — There  they  have  laid  out,  but  not  in  the 
center,  a  cemetery,  and  have  erected  on  it  a  small  church 
building  of  logs,  but  not  serviceable  for  public  worship. 

Goshenhop2)en. — As  I  have  heard  from  people  that  live 
there,  they  have  built  a  pretty  large  church  at  that  place, 
which  will  be  sufficient  for  them  for  some  time,  but  it  is 
poorly  made  of  wood. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1739.  I3 

Skippack. — A  log  church  has  also  been  built  there,  ten 
years  ago  when  Do.  Weiss  caused  trouble  in  this  congre- 
gation. But  Jacob  Reiff  caused  the  lot  on  which  the 
church  stands  to  be  transferred  to  his  name.  At  present 
he  still  refuses  admission  to  the  properly  organized  con- 
gregation, and  one  irregular  minister  after  another  has  per- 
mitted himself  to  be  used  by  Reiff  and  his  followers  to  keep 
up  the  trouble  in  the  congregation.  This  is  the  place  which 
Goetschi  quite  irregularly  still  serves,  to  the  great  hindrance 
of  a  union  in  the  congregation.  For  this  reason  the  regular 
congregation  was  obliged  to  buy  a  lot  at  Skippack,  which  is 
at  a  very  convenient  place.  But  I  fear  that  on  account  of 
the  poverty  of  the  members,  unless  God  sends  some  help  by 
his  grace,  the  lot  will  be  lost  again  on  account  of  the  debt 
still  resting  upon  it.  This  would  be  a  great  loss  to  the  congre- 
gation, since  it  would  be  difficult  to  obtain  another  lot. 

At  Falkner  Swamp,  Whitemarsh,  Oley  and  Philadelphia, 
and  also  in  their  neighboring  places,  there  is  as  yet  nothing. 
Services  are  held  with  great  inconvenience  in  houses  and 
barns.  Except  at  Cacusi,  near  Oley,  where,  as  I  hear,  they 
have  built  a  little  log  church  for  their  use. 

Now  concerning  the  last  point,  how  the  congregations  are 
supplied  with  schoolmasters  and  precentors,  there  is,  as  far 
as  I  know,  nobody  with  a  fixed  position.  My  congi'egation 
at  Falkner  Swamp  is  well  supplied.  The  name  of  the  school- 
master is  John  Reifschneider.  There  is  also  a  schoolmaster 
at  Philadelphia;  his  name  is  John  Berger,  who  is  known  to 
Do.  Dorsius.  But  no  one  can  make  a  living  by  it.  The  rea- 
son is  that  no  school  in  the  country  can  bring  enough  children 
together  for  one  to  make  a  living  by  it  (except  Philadelphia 
and  Germantown,  where  the  people  live  near  together). 
Moreover,  the  congregations  have  not  the  means  and  are  not 
able  at  the  time  being  to  raise  money  enough  to  support  any- 
body. There  is  as  yet  in  the  whole  country  no  dwelling  either 
for  minister  or  for  schoolmaster.  Singing  up  to  this  time 
had  to  be  conducted  as  best  we  could. 

This  is  what  I  have  been  able  to  report  according  to  the 
above  mentioned  request  of  Do.  Dorsius.  Nor  do  I  believe 
that  I  can  be  accused  (if  this  report  be  investigated)  of  hav- 
ing done  anything  useless  against  my  better  knowledge.     But 


14  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

I  have  done  all  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  upbuilding  of  his 
true  church  in  this  country.     I  sign  myself 

John  Philip  Boehm, 
High  German  Reformed  Minister  in  Pennsylvania. 
January  14th,  1739. 

The  above  report,  which  was  made  according  to  the  desire 
of  his  Reverence,  Mr.  P.  H.  Dorsius,  minister  at  Neshaminy, 
by  his  Reverence,  John  Philip  Boehm,  our  beloved  teacher 
and  faithful  pastor,  we,  as  the  present  members  of  the  con- 
sistories, have  heard  read  from  beginning  to  end  and  have 
well  understood. 

Now,  as  we  think  that  everything  in  the  same  is  thoroughly 
truthful,  we  can  also  officially  attest  (each  consistory  for  its 
congregation)  that  everything  which  concerns  the  same  and 
is  stated  above  is  according  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge  in 
reality  so,  as  we  do  hereby, 

Elders  and  deacons  of  the  congregation  at  Philadelphia, 
attest,  January  28th,  1739. 

Caspar  Ulrich,  Elder. 
Nicholas  Ewig,  Elder. 
Bernhard   Sigmund,  Elder. 
John  Wendel  Brechbiehl,  Elder. 
Jacob  Walter,  Deacon, 
John  Gerhard,  Deacon. 
Elders  and  deacons  of  the  congregation  at  Falkner  Swamp 
attest,  February  4th,  1739 : 

Bastian  Reifschneider,  Elder. 
Jacob  Krausen,  Elder. 
John  Tricktenhengst,  Elder. 
John  Duenckel,  Elder. 
Andrew  Weis,  Deacon. 
John  Dietrich  Bucher,  Deacon. 
Of  the  congregation  at  Oley  attest,  February  5th,  1739 : 
Sebastian  Gref,  Elder. 
John  Frederick  Leibi,  Deacon. 
Henry  Werner,  Deacon. 


BECOBDS  OF  1739.  ic^ 

Of  the  congregation  at  Skippack  attest,   Februaiy   11th 
1739: 

Jacob  Arnet,  Elder. 

Andrew  Oberbeck,  Elder. 

Ulrich  Stephen,  Elder. 

Adam  Meyrer,  Elder. 

John  Wuehrmann,  Deacon. 

Jacob  Beyer,  Deacon. 
Of  the  congregation  at  Whitemarsh  attest,  February  18th, 
1739 : 

William  De  Wees,  Elder. 

Christopher  Ottinger,  Elder. 

Lewis  Knaus,  Deacon. 

Philip  Scherrer,  Deacon. 
Of  the  congregation  at  Tulpehocken  attest,  February  22d, 
1739 : 

Jacob  Itzberger,  Elder. 

Barthel  Schaefer,  Elder. 

Andrew  Aulenbacher,  Elder. 

John  Haak,  Elder. 

Jacob  Wilhelm,  Deacon. 

John  Knoll,  Deacon. 


Provisional  repartition  of  the  churches  of  the  High  German 
Reformed  people  in  Pennsylvania,  and  how  these  churches 
may  be  combined  and  in  the  most  convenient  and  useful  v>^ay 
be  served  by  six  ministers,  according  to  the  testimony  of  the 
elders  and  deacons  of  a  majority  of  the  places,  as  contained 
in  the  required  and  above-stated  report : 

I.  For  one  minister,  Philadelphia  and  Germantown;  he 
might  live  most  conveniently  at  [Philadelphia]. 

II.  Falkner  Swamp  and  Skippack,  to  which  also  White- 
marsh  belongs.  These  are  the  three  congregations  of  Boehm, 
for  which  he  was  ordained  by  the  Very  Rev.  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam through  the  Rev.  ministers  at  New  York  on  Novem- 
ber 23d,  1729.  Whitemarsh,  because  it  is  only  four  miles, 
and  partly  only  half  that  distance  from  Germantown,  and 
sixteen  miles  from  Skippack,  may  with  greater  convenience  be 
joined  to  Germantown,  v*^hose  people  might  there  attend  church 
services.     Do.  Boehm  and  the  elders  at  Whitemarsh  are  ^\dll- 


16  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

ing  to  consent  to  this  (if  such  a  union  should  please  our 
reverend  church  fathers),  and  Do.  Boehm  desires  to  retain 
Falkner  Swamp  and  Skippaek  as  his  remaining  two  congre- 
gations. The  parsonage  can  most  suitably  be  located  at  Skip- 
pack,  if  the  church  lot  which  w^as  bought  there  can  be  re- 
tained. Therefore  he  prays  very  earnestly  for  greatly  needed 
help,  so  that  it  can  be  kept  by  the  congregation. 

III.  Conestoga,  in  Avhich  there  are  three  places.  The  min- 
ister could  live  most  conveniently  near  the  Hill  church,  from 
which  he  would  have  to  go  six  miles  in  opposite  directions  to 
the  other  two  places. 

IV.  Tulpehocken,  where  probably  a  place  could  be  found 
in  the  center,  which  would  be  most  convenient  for  all.  The 
neighboring  places  here  are  Quittopehilla  and  Swatara,  both, 
as  I  hear,  seven  or  eight  miles  or  more  above.  They  are 
reported  to  be  pretty  strong  congregations,  but  mostly  of 
poor  people,  who  cannot  help  themselves  at  all. 

V.  Oley.  There  the  same  condition  prevails,  and  perhaps 
a  suitable  place  may  still  be  found  from  which  Cacusi  and 
]\Iaxatawny  may  be  served. 

VI.  Goshenhoppen.  As  in  the  last  two  congregations,  a 
place  might  here  also  be  found  for  a  minister's  dwelling, 
which  would  not  be  too  inconvenient  in  order  to  supply  Great 
Swamp  and  Saucon  Creek  from  it. 


REPORT  OF  REV.  JOHN  PH.  BOEHM  TO  THE  SYNODS. 

JULY   8,   1744. 

(Hague  74,  i.  33.) 

A  true  account  of  the  origin  of  the  German  Reformed  con- 
gregations in  Pennsylvania,  with  the  required  statistics  of 
the  communicants  and  their  increase  from  time  to  time,  to 
which  has  been  added  a  further  report  of  the  condition  of 
the  congregations  made  by  the  undersigned,  as  follows : 

Formerly,  when  there  were  no  Reformed  services  in  this 
country,  the  Reformed  people  at  Falkner  Swamp,  Skippack 
and  "Whitemarsh  came  together,  and  when  they  took  com- 
munion it  was  with  the  Presbyterians  in  Philadelphia,  in 
the  year  1725.  But  because  this  appeared  to  some  as  not  in 
accord  with  our  Reformed  Church  they  stayed  away  and 
became  much  scattered,  as  wandering  sheep  having  no  shep- 
herd, which  was  very  distressing  to  observe. 

Accordingly  they  resolved  once  more  urgently  to  request 
me  (J.  P.  Boehm),  although  for  full  five  years  I  had  declined 
to  do  so,  that  I  would  become  their  pastor.  This  Avas  so  touch- 
ingly  represented  to  me  by  two  of  their  number  thereunto 
commissioned  that  our  hearts  melted  together  in  tears,  and  in 
the  name  of  all  the  people  it  Avas  pressed  upon  my  conscience 
whether  I  had  the  courage  to  answer  for  it  at  the  last  judg- 
ment if  I  should  leave  them  thus  without  help  and  allow  so 
many  souls  to  remain  scattered  among  all  kinds  of  sects,  of 
which  this  country  is  filled.  I  thought  indeed  that  it  would 
be  better  for  me  if  I  could  escape  this  yoke  and  support  my 
family  with  my  work  and  agriculture,  but  I  was  convinced 
by  my  conscience  that  I  could  not  do  otherwise.  I  allowed 
myself  therefore  to  be  persuaded  to  this  work.  AVith  humble- 
ness of  heart  I  addressed  myself  to  the  Lord's  work,  and 
drew  up  with  my  brethren,  as  well  as  we  could,  a  Constitution 
of  the  church,  so  that  all  things  might  be  done  in  good  order. 
We  divided  the  charge  into  the  three  congregations  men- 
tioned above,  and  when  the  Constitution  had  been  presented 
to  and  accepted  by  the  whole  people  I  was  regularly  elected 
2  (17) 


18  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

by  each  one  of  the  congregations,  and  a  formal  call  was  ex- 
tended to  me  by  the  elders.  Whereupon  I  began  the  ministry 
of  the  Lord  in  his  name.  After  I  had  preached  a  few  times 
to  my  dear  congregations,  namely,  Falkner  Swamp  (which 
place  is  at  present  called  New  Hanover  township),  Skippack 
and  Whitemarsh,  which  had  entrusted  themselves  to  my  min- 
istry, we  celebrated  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  there  communed 
for  the  first  time  on  October  15,  1725,  at  Falkner  Swamp  40 
members ;  in  November,  at  Skippack,  37  members ;  on  Decem- 
ber 23,  at  Whitemarsh,  24  members. 

This  was  the  first  beginning. 

These,  our  services,  were  continued  in  the  best  order  for 
two  years  in  such  a  manner  that  my  heart  rejoiced.  More- 
over, since  that  time  again  as  many  communicants  arrived. 
At  that  time  a  congregation  was  also  gathered  in  Conestoga, 
namely,  the  first  (which  I  used  to  call  Hill  church,  the  oldest 
of  the  three,  which  are  now  associated  together)  ;  also  one  at 
Tulpehocken  (where  now  also  two  have  come  into  existence, 
six  miles  apart).  These  two  congregations  at  Conestoga  and 
Tulpehocken  likewise  called  me.  They  desired  to  be  organ- 
ized, which  desire  I  granted,  and  began  the  work  and  minis- 
try of  the  gospel  among  them  in  conformity  to  our  Church- 
Order.  Subsequently  the  Lord's  Supper  was  celebrated 
among  them,  and  there  communed  on  October  14,  1727,  at  Con- 
estoga, 59  members;  on  October  18,  1727,  at  Tulpehocken,  32 
members.     (At  both  places  for  the  first  time.) 

Whereupon  after  that  time  Frederick  Hillegas  arrived  in 
this  country  with  a  companion.  He  also  had  two  brothers, 
called  Peter  and  Michael,  living  at  Philadelphia,  but  he  himself 
lived  at  New  Goshenhoppen.  He  brought  with  him  the  well 
known  Mr.  George  Michael  Weiss,  a  youthful  preacher  (who 
afterwards  sailed  for  Holland  with  the  likewise  well  known 
Jacob  Reiff  to  collect  money,  of  which,  however,  they  have 
up  to  this  date  not  yet  rendered  an  account  nor  handed  it 
over),  whom  they  sought  to  force  in  a  violent  manner  and  in  a 
shameful  way  into  all  my  congregations  here.  Thus  with  this 
Weiss  they  were  a  hindrance  to  me  and  antagonized  me,  inas- 
much a.s  Weiss  immediately  began  in  a  rude  manner  to  belittle 
me  with  shameful  letters,  which  I  have  now  in  my  possession. 
He  ran  around  everywhere,  tried  to  push  me  violently  out 


EECOBDS  OF  1744. 


19 


of  my  office  and  preached  in  all  my  congregations  without 
first  consulting  me  about  it.     His  attacks  became  so  rude  that 
although  very  few  adhered  to  him,  and  they  only  at  the  instiga- 
tion of  Hilligas  and  Doctor  Jacob  Diemer,  I  began  to  fear  that 
our  work,  which  we  had  carried  on  thus  far  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  might  thereby  indeed  be  ruined.     Particularly  did  he 
throw  into  confusion  the  congregation  at  Skippack,  to  which 
the  bold  and  impertinent  Jacob  Reiff,  who  had  created  a  party 
of    his    own,    contributed    materially    his    share.      However 
heartily  and  frequently  I  have  admonished  with  regard  to 
this  the  congregation  at  Skippack,  which  separated  at  that 
time,  yet  up  to  this  day  I  have  not  been  able  to  unite  them 
again,  because  a  party  has  been  formed  there  which  has  been 
kept  continuously  by  one  irregular  minister  after  another 
in  the  fire  of  disorder.     Wlien  Weiss  went  to  Holland  Peter 
Miller  preached  there  (who  now  for  a  long  time  has  been  a 
Seventh  Day  Baptist)  ;  after  him  came  Bartholomew  Rieger 
(whom  I  never  considered,  on  account  of  certain  evidence, 
to  be  different  from  or  more  sound  in  the  Reformed  doctrine 
than  Miller) .     He  preached  there  for  some  time.     After  that 
they  accepted  young  Goetschi,  who  also  follows  at  present 
the  Moravian  teachers   (although  he  was  ordained  for  Long 
Island  by  Do.  Dorsius,  who  pretended  to  be  inspector  over 
the   German  and  Dutch  churches  in   this  country) .     After 
that  they  were  served  for  many  years  by  John  William  Straub, 
at  one  time  schoolmaster  in  the  Palatinate  at  Cronau   (who 
was  dismissed  there  for  adultery).     But  this  people,  besides 
some  others  whom  he  had  also  lured  away  from  the  congre- 
gation at  Skippack,  have  again  deposed  him  because  of  his 
scandalous  conduct  (for  in  addition  he  is  a  great  drunkard). 
But  I  still  hope  that  when  Reiff  has  once  been  taken  to  ac- 
count for  the  collected  money  he  will  have  to  give  up  the 
church  which  stands  upon  his  property,  wherein  I  have  not 
yet  been  allowed  to  preach,  being  compelled  to  go  with  my 
little  flock  of  organized  people  from  one  place  to  another, 
and  get  along  with  houses  and  barns.     If  aid  should  then  be 
given  to  us  in  our  helpless  condition  everything  would  come 
right  again,  and  it  is  possible  that  Skippack  might  then  be- 
come a  fine  congregation.     But  toward  this  I  can  contribute 
nothing  (if  it  remains  as  it  is  now),  for  I  have  no  power  here, 
and  we  are  also  without  help  from  the  secular  authorities. 


20  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

As  regards  the  church  at  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Weiss  also  took 
that  out  of  my  hands  on  his  arrival,  aided  by  the  above 
mentioned  opponents;  for  I  had  then  already  preached  there 
a  few  times  at  their  desire.  But  when  he  returned  from 
Holland,  and  had  acted  so  unbecomingly  about  the  collected 
money  with  Reiff,  he  suddenly  departed  before  Reiff  came 
back,  which  was  a  year  later,  and  thus  abandoned  the  con- 
gregation. Whereupon  they  allowed  themselves  to  be  sensed 
by  the  aforesaid  adventurers,  and  last  of  all  by  Bartholomew 
Rieger,  from  whom  they  again  withdrew  when  they  saw  how 
his  affairs  stood,  but  only  when  they  were  nearly  ruined. 
After  all  these  things  they  called  me  (the  entire  congrega- 
tion, man  for  man,  signed  the  call;  there  were  42  signatures, 
dated  April  24,  1734,  of  which  I  enclose  a  copy*)  and  asked 
me  that  I  might  come  to  their  rescue.  It  seemed  to  me  indeed 
a  very  difficult  matter  to  bring  such  a  disorganized  congre- 
gation into  order,  but  I  ventured  to  do  so  after  they  had 
requested  me  two  or  three  times,  and  I  began  the  Lord's  work 
there  also,  restoring  them  to  such  a  good  condition  that  up 
to  this  time  I  serve  them,  even  as  my  first  three  congregations, 
once  a  month.  Be  it  understood  this  refers  only  to  the  relig- 
ious services;  for  regarding  the  aforesaid  collections  I  have 
no  authority,  but  in  this  I  did  by  their  request  what  I  could, 
which,  however,  until  now  has  not  had  much  result. 

To  Tulpehocken,  on  account  of  the  great  distance,  I  go  but 
twice  a  year ;  during  the  remaining  time  the  two  congregations 
in  that  locality  have  religious  services  by  means  of  sermons 
read  to  them.  They  remain  in  good  order,  and  do  not  allow 
themselves  to  be  in  the  least  delighted  with  the  false  apostles 
of  the  Moravians  (although  these,  especially  Jacob  Lischy, 
have  frequently  sought  until  now  in  an  artful  manner  to  steal 
in  among  them) . 

What  further  concerns  the  growth  and  increase  of  the 
several  churches,  it  may  be  stated  that  in  each  of  them,  as 
named  herein,  from  their  beginning  to  the  present  time,  the 
Lord 's  Supper  has  been  administered  every  half  year,  accord- 
ing to  the  Church-Order;  but  the  congregations  were  much 

•  This  as  well  as  the  other  enclosures  mentioned  in  this  report  have 
not  been   printed. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1744.  21 

disturbed  up  to  the  year  173i  by  great  disordei^  and  con- 
tinued personal  attacks  (notwithstanding  that  I  had  received 
the  sacred  ordination  to  the  Gospel  ministry  on  November 
23.  1729.  from  the  Reformed  ministers  at  New  York,  there- 
unto authorized  by  the  Very  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  as 
appears  from  enclosure  Xo.  2*). 

But  the  statistics  presented  here^vith  -^-ill  show  what  pro- 
gress the  above  mentioned  congregations  have  made  after  the 
aforesaid  year  1734  until  to-day. 

Members  in: 
1734       1737       1740       1743 

At  Falkner  Swamp, 

April    7 40 

April    3 37 

AprU    26 152 

March  26,  131 ;  April  24,  105 236 

X.  B.     As  the  comLmunicants  largely  increased  the  Lord's  Supper  was 

held  there  twice  each  time. 

At  Skippa^rk, 

April    14 53 

AprU    9 55 

April    6 39 

AprH  3   (Easter) 36 

At  Whitemarsh, 

April    21 24 

April    16 15 

April    13 59 

March    13 51 

At  Philadelphia, 

September    15 88 

March  1 91 

April  20   (Easter) 130 

March  20,  98 ;  April  17,  85 183 

At  Tulpehocken, 

In   Mav 103 

In   May 119 

May  6,  at  one  place,  124  )  __« 

May  8,  at  the  other  place,  129  )    '  " 

My  further  humble  report,  which  I  have  to  make  to  the 
Rev.   Christian   SjTiod  concerning  the   present   condition  of 

*  This  document,  Hague  74,  I.  35,  is  identical  with  one  found  in  a 
Eecord  book  of  the  Collegiate  Reformed  Church  of  Xew  York  and  pub- 
lished in  Mercersburg  Review,   1876,  pp.   549-553. 


22  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

each  of  these  congreg:ations  in  particular,  with  regard  to 
different  matters,  is  submitted  in  view  of  the  duty  and  obliga- 
tion I  owe  to  you,  and  their  condition,  as  far  as  is  known  to 
me,  is  as  follows : 

The  congregation  at  Falloier  Swamp  has  erected  a  well- 
built  frame  church,  which  may  last  a  long  time,  but  they  still 
owe  nearly  sixty  pounds  on  it.  They  have  as  yet  no  dwelling 
house  for  either  pastor  or  reader. 

As  regards  the  congregation  at  Skippack,  there  is  a  frame 
church  there,  but  Reiff  had  the  cunning  to  have  it  placed  on 
his  land,  and  thus  he  and  his  party  have  it  under  their  con- 
trol and  in  their  possession.     On  this  account  I  and  my  little 
flock,  who  hold  loyally  to  the  Church-Order,  were  compelled 
(because  we  had  no  fixed  place  where  we  could  hold  our  ser- 
vices, and  had  to  take  refuge  from  place  to  place)  to  select  a 
place  for  that  purpose.     We  bought  therefore  a  plantation 
of  150  acres  for  220  pounds,  but  for  lack  of  funds  we  sold 
100  acres  for  100  pounds  and  retained  the  50  acres,  upon 
which  already  before  this  a  building  stood,  which  is  new,  and 
was  not  erected  for  less  than  100  pounds.     It  is  suited  in 
every  w^ay  for  a  parsonage,  and  upon  that  piece  of  land  a 
neat  and  suitable  church  and  school  house  could  be  built, 
right  along  the  street.     Indeed,  as  regards  the  location,  stand- 
ing in  the  midst,  between  the  people 's  houses,  it  is  more  advan- 
tageous and  better  located  than  the  one  standing  on  Reiff 's 
land.     This  plan  could  be  carried  out  for  as  little  money  as 
Reiff  would  charge  us  for  land  and  church.     To  this  place 
our  good-hearted  Reformed  brethren  in  New  York  and  on 
Long  Island,  on  the  urgent  request  of  the  Hon.  Consistory 
there,  have  sent  us  44  pounds.     That  amount  and  six  pounds 
in  addition  were  paid  in,  so  that  we  are  still  70  pounds  behind 
in  this.     This  place  has  now  been  rented  with  the  condition 
that  we  always  retain  the  liberty  of  holding  our  services  there. 
And  from  the  rent  the  interest  is  paid.     But  because  we  were 
so  discouraged  and  saw  no  help,  my  brethren  did  not  want 
to  have  anything  more  to  do  with  it,  but  wished  to  sell  the 
land  again  or  load  the  whole  burden  upon  my  neck.     In  order 
not  to  let  this  place  so  lightly  go  out  of  our  hands  I  pledged 
myself  alone  for  it,  and  I  have  yet  till  next  August  1st,  more 
than  a  year's  time,  in  which  to  pay.     Should  it  now  please 


BE  COEDS  OF  1744. 


23 


God  to  be  gracious  to  us  and  to  incline  the  hearts  of  our 
Church  Fathers  in  their  liberality  toward  us,  for  which  we 
poor  people  have  long  waited,  we  will  forever  be  thankful  to 
them  for  it.  Finally,  I  have  not  had  until  now  a  penny's 
profit  from  this  place,  neither  have  I  looked  for  it,  but  live 
all  the  time,  up  to  this  date,  in  my  own  house.  But  because 
of  my  inability  I  do  not  see  how  I  can  longer  retain  this  prop- 
erty, unless  some  one  comes  to  my  aid. 

In  the  congregation  at  AYhitemarsh  we  have  as  yet  nothing 
at  all  (in  the  way  of  a  church  building),  but  during  all  this 
long  time  we  have  held  our  religious  services  always  at  the 
touse  of  Elder  "Wm.  De  Wees  without  anj^  un^\dllingness  on 
his  part  or  the  least  expectation  of  payment.  That  honest 
man  cherishes  a  steadfast  and  pious  hope  that  God  will  yet 
furnish  means  (to  build  a  church). 

At  Philadelphia  we  had  thus  far,  in  common  with  the  Luth- 
erans, an  old  and  dilapidated  butcher's  house,  at  an  annual 
rent  of  three  pounds;  finally  this  was  raised  to  four  pounds, 
which  we  must  now  pay  alone,  for  the  Lutherans  have  built 
a  church  there  of  70  by  45  feet.  From  this,  people,  who 
have  experience  in  building  conclude  that  it  could  not  have 
been  erected  for  less  than  1500  pounds.*  which  by  their 
own  means  they  could  do  as  little  as  the  Reformed.  Never- 
theless the  walls  and  roof  are  actually  finished,  so  that  they 
must  have  received  much  assistance  through  collections ;  from 
whence  we  do  not  know.  Likewise  they  have  a  stone  church 
in  Providence  to^vnship,  of  50  by  38  feet,  which  is  complete 
in  all  respects;  they  now  have  four  ministers.  Regarding 
the  circumstances  of  one  of  them,  ]\Iuhlenberg  by  name,  1 
learn  that  his  people  give  him  what  they  can;  he  receives 
this  on  account,  and  the  remainder  he  receives  from  London, 
whence  he  was  sent  hither.  I  have  no  acquaintance  with  the 
others,  but  it  appears  that  they  prosper.  It  also  looks  as  if 
this  church,  in  case  we  are  left  ^vithout  aid,  would  be  able  to 
do  us  considerable  injury,  for  some  young  men  are  known  to 
me  whom  they  have  already  won. 

I  and  the  Reformed  Church  officers  at  Philadelphia  ad- 

*  This  apparently  high  estimate  is  shoT^-n  to  be  approximately  correct 
by  the  Hallische  Xachrichten,  new  edition,  Vol.  I.,  p.  151. 


24  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

dressed  our  Lord  Proprietor  over  two  years  ago  for  a  plot  of 
ground.  He  consented,  and  finally  gave  us  one,  although 
inside  the  city,  one  acre  in  extent,  for  50  pounds  sterling  at  a 
yearly  ground  rent  of  six  shillings,  from  which  he  might  have 
realized  as  much  as  200  pounds,  upon  which  we  now  since 
that  time  bury  our  dead ;  before  we  had  to  bury  our  dead  in 
a  negro  slave  cemetery.  But  what  does  this  benefit  us  ?  The 
money  for  the  land  is  now  bearing  interest,  and  the  congre- 
gation can  scarcely  raise  from  the  incoming  alms  the  annual 
expenses  of  our  meeting-house  and  this  plot  of  ground. 

Regarding  the  congregations  at  Tulpehocken,  the  one  some 
years  ago  bought  100  acres  of  land  and  built  a  small  church 
upon  it  (but  which  now  is  altogether  too  small),  and,  as  I 
recollect,  I  have  heard  from  them  that  they  have  a  debt  of 
about  30  pounds  on  land  and  church.  The  other  congrega- 
tion at  Tulpehocken  received  as  a  gift  a  little  piece  of  land 
consisting  of  four  acres,  and  erected  upon  it  a  tolerably  large, 
beautiful  and  well-built  frame  church.  I  heard  when  I  was 
last  with  them,  and  for  the  first  time  held  services  in  the 
church,  and  at  the  same  time  celebrated  the  Lord's  Supper, 
that  they  owed  as  much  as  60  pounds,  although  they  did  not 
yet  have  chairs  or  pews.  Both  these  fine  and  very  loyal  con- 
gregations v\'ell  deserve  to  be  served  and  guided  by  a  godly 
and  faithful  pastor.  In  the  first  congregation  they  have  a 
faithful  reader  and  schoolmaster,  Francis  Layenberger,  who 
has  been  thus  far  a  faithful  watchman  against  the  sects. 
I  trust  that,  although  his  income  is  very  meagre,  he  may  yet 
be  able  to  stay  for  a  while.  In  the  second  congregation  one 
of  the  elders  is  reader,  and  thus  they  continue  their  religious 
services  in  the  fear  of  God,  living  in  good  hope  that  God  will 
graciously  help  them. 

Of  Conestoga  I  cannot  say  much,  since  for  a  long  time  I 
have  not  conducted  the  services  among  them.  For  some  time 
they  accepted  all  they  could  get,  and  now  they  have  nobody. 
There  are  at  present  three  congregations.  In  the  new  city 
of  Lancaster  they  had  last  Mr.  John  Barth.  Rieger,  but  be- 
cause he  always  had  very  much  intercourse  with  all  sorts  of 
people  and  all  sorts  of  sects  they  took  an  aversion  to  him. 
Toward  the  end  of  last  year  Count  Zinzendorf  attended  his 
church,  of  whom  he  made  very  much,  and  took  him  to  his 


BE  COEDS  OF  1744.  25 

house.  On  the  next  Sunday  his  sermon  (as  I  have  heard  in 
truth)  was  nothing  but  a  glorifying  and  praising  of  the  piety 
and  the  doctrines  of  the  Moravian  brethren.  It  also  hap- 
pened that  he  (Eieger)  and  Zinzendorf  were  present  at  the 
house  of  a  certain  man,  Jacob  Baurle;  there  the  Count  said 
he  must  hasten  to  Philadelphia,  for  court  was  now  in  session 
there,  and  as  surely  as  his  name  was  Count  Zinzendorf  he 
would  see  to  it  that  four  men  should  hang,  and  nothing  should 
save  them  but  the  King's  mercy.  (This  arose  from  the  fact 
that  Count  Zinzendorf  had  made  the  Lutherans  at  Philadel- 
phia believe  that  he  was  a  Lutheran  minister,  whereupon 
they  took  this  Count  for  their  preacher.)  Afterwards  he 
installed  one  of  his  creatures  named  Pyrlaeus;  then  they 
discovered  his  cunning  tricks,  and  thrust  the  same,  with  the 
aid  of  the  Reformed  (but  I  was  not  present),  out  of  the 
meeting-house,  which  they  had  in  common. 

For  these  words  *  a  lawyer  of  Philadelphia  caused  Jacob 
Bauerle  to  be  summoned  by  the  Court  at  Lancaster  (I  have 
this  from  the  lawyer 's  own  mouth) .  And  now  when  Rieger, 
who  was  present,  was  also  made  to  give  testimony,  he  excused 
himself  by  saying  "he  had  not  heard  it."  (I  have  had  this 
only  recently  from  the  above-mentioned  Jacob  Bauerle 's  own 
mouth) ,  which,  added  to  other  grievances,  induced  this  people 
to  get  rid  of  him,  which  they  could  readily  do,  as  he  was 
engaged  by  them  on  certain  conditions.  Thereupon  Rieger 
went  away  from  here,  but  his  wife  and  children  are  still  here. 
"What  has  become  of  him  I  do  not  know,  but  it  is  said  here 
that  he  has  written  to  his  brother  from  Leyden,  in  Holland. 

The  surrounding  congregations,  around  or  near  Conestoga, 
have  long  ago  taken  up  with  a  man,  Conrad  Tempelman  by 
name  (he  is  from  Heidelberg),  a  tailor  by  trade,  and  have 
made  the  same  their  minister.  I  know  him,  for  he  was 
school  teacher  and  reader  in  the  Hill  church  when  I  served 
them  at  the  beginning.  Of  the  same  I  noticed  at  that  time 
nothing  wrong  in  his  life  or  conduct,  and  since  have  heard  of 
him  nothing  but  what  was  praiseworthy,  especially  that  he  is 
very  watchful  against  the  sects,  and  that  his  congregations 
are  very  much  united. 

*  Jacob  Baurle  had  evidently  circulated  this  story  about  Zinzendorf, 
and  when  the  latter  heard  of  it  he  prosecuted  Baurle  for  slander. 


26  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Regardinj^  the  congregation  at  Goshenhoppen,  it  has  also 
a  suitable  frame  church  upon  a  piece  of  land  consisting  of 
50  acres,  donated  by  some  one,  that  all  religions  and  sects 
should  have  the  privilege  of  building  a  church  thereon,  and 
I  lately  learned  from  an  old  elder  of  theirs  that  the  church 
is  paid  for.     Two  years  ago  four  of  them  bought  a   plot. 
They  intended  to  hand  it  over  to  the  congregation  for  a  par- 
sonage if  they  were  reimbursed  for  their  outlay.     How  much 
it  costs  I  do  not  know.     This  congregation  up  to  this  time  has 
claimed  the  privilege  accorded  to  them  in  the  letter  which 
Reiff  had  when  he  returned  from  his  collecting  tour,  and 
purported  to  be  written  by  his  Reverence,  Doctor  Wilhelmi, 
of  Rotterdam  (whereof  a  copy  may  be  found  among  the  Penn- 
sylvania papers*).     Hence  they  will  not  submit  to  anj^  ordi- 
nances.    And  no  matter  how  much  I  may  admonish  them, 
they  remain  of  the  same  mind.     They  had  taken  young  Goet- 
schi  to  be  their  pastor,  but  when  Do.  Dorsius  arrived  he  with- 
drew from  them,  went  to  him,  and  studied  a  year  with  him, 
and  after  this  year  he  was  ordained  as  minister  for  Long 
Island  in  the  month  of  April,  1741,  by  Mr.  Dorsius,  assisted 
by  Do.  Frelinghuysen,  of  Raritan,  and  still  another    (as  I 
learned  afterwards),  Tennant  by  name,  of  whom  it  was  said 
at  that  time  that  he  was  one  of  the  AVhitfielders.     Meanwhile, 
since  Goetschi  was  no  longer  with  them,  Do.  Dorsius  has  sev- 
eral  times   administered   the   Lord's   Supper   to  this   people 
before  his  journey  to  Holland.     As  I  learned  on   Tuesday 
after  last  Easter  at  Goshenhoppen  from  a  ruling  elder,  it  is 
arranged  that  he  shall  again  administer  it  to  them  in  next 
coming  month  of  May.     On  this  Tuesday  after  Easter,  when 
I  happened  to  come  to  Goshenhoppen,  I  found  this  among 
them:  On  Good  Friday  they  had  allowed  the  base  deceiver, 
Jacob  Lischy,  to  preach  in  their  church,  who  at  the  same  time 
baptized  two  children.     When   I  represented   to   two  elders 
who  were  together  on  this  Tuesday  after  Easter  the  impro- 
priety of  this  act  in  the  presence  of  several  people,  in  having 
permitted  a  Moravian  to  do  such  things,  they  answered  me 
that  they  themselves  had  held  it  up  to  him,  but  he  had  pro- 
tested with  an  oath  and  called  upon  God  to  forsake  him  if 

*  It  is  preserved  at  Amsterdam,  new  letters  No.  10. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1744.  27 

he  were  a  Moravian.  He  claimed  to  be  a  Reformed  preacher 
from  Switzerland.  Then  I  showed  them  his  Moravian  hymn- 
book,  entitled  "Shepherd  Songs  of  Bethlehem,  for  the  use  of 
all  who  are  poor  and  humble,"  which  before  this  was  his  own 
pocket  hymn-book,  and  came  to  my  hands  in  a  wonderful  but 
honorable  way,  in  which  he  had  written  his  name  with  his 
own  hand ;  when  they  compared  the  letter  which  he  had  writ- 
ten to  them  with  it  and  saw  that  it  was  his  own  hand-writing, 
they  realized  his  wicked  conduct;  the  more  so  because  when 
they  told  him  that  I  had  this  little  book,  he  had  denied  it  was 
his,  saying  that  he  knew  nothing  of  the  book,  that  others  could 
easily  write  his  name  in  a  book;  he  could  not  prevent  that, 
and  that  for  this  reason  he  had  long  regarded  me  as  a  treach- 
erous Boehm,  of  whom  he  had  before  heard  in  Holland,  etc. 
Then  they  acted  as  if  they  were  very  sorry.  But  one  among 
them,  Michael  Radner,  confessed  that  it  was  his  fault  alone 
that  Lischy  had  come  into  the  church.  Whereupon  I  took 
my  departure.  The  next  day  I  spoke  with  another  ruling 
elder,  who  was  not  present  the  day  before.  This  one  said  to 
me  with  a  sad  heart,  almost  with  tears:  "But  what  shall  we 
do?"  Mr.  Dorsius  has  told  us  we  should  not  think  that  we 
could  get  ministers  from  Holland.  We  should  ourselves  see 
to  it  what  was  to  be  done.  The  Hollanders  had  said:  "What 
do  the  Pennsylvanians  imagine  themselves  to  be?  They  live 
in  a  free  country,  have  nothing  to  pay  to  any  royal  court, 
yet  want  to  give  but  10  pounds  in  such  a  large  congregation 
to  a  minister;  then  we  cannot  provide  them  with  ministers," 
etc.  Nevertheless  I  admonished  them  to  remain  steadfast  in 
prayer,  and  without  being  discouraged  to  Avait  upon  God's 
favor.  As  for  me,  I  felt  assured  that  if  our  pious  Church 
Fathers  desired  to  admonish  us  or  were  displeased  about 
anything,  they  would  not  thus  rudely  present  it,  but  speak 
of  it  in  amicable  and  friendly  manner  becoming  to  servants 
of  God.  But  according  to  my  expectations  the  affairs  of  our 
church  would  take  quite  a  different  turn  under  the  provi- 
dence of  God  and  his  guidance,  etc.  And  thus  we  separated. 
Lastly,  the  congregation  at  Germantown.  This  is  in  a  sad 
state,  as  regards  loyalty  to  our  true  Reformed  doctrine.  Yet 
many  years  ago  they  built  a  handsome  stone  church  (on 
which  there  is  as  yet  quite  a  debt).     But  in  spite  of  all  our 


28  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA, 

admonitions,  warnings  and  prayers  they  have  constantly  per- 
mitted every  errorist  to  associate  with  them.  For  when 
Barth.  Rieger,  who,  when  he  served  Philadelphia  also  preached 
for  them  occasionally,  had  left  them,  they  allowed  John 
Bechtel  to  preach  constantly  to  them,  whom  I  had  plainly 
enough  described  to  them  in  my  first  and  second  letter  of 
warning.  Thus  also  old  Samuel  Guldi,  who  according  to 
his  own  statement  was  minister  in  the  three  principal  churches 
at  Bern,  in  Switzerland  (whence  he  was  dismissed  on  account 
of  his  pietism  and  came  to  this  country) ,  has  often  preached 
there.  Meanwhile  they  also  consented  to  have  a  sectarian 
crowd  gather  there  every  Sunday  afternoon,  of  whom  one 
had  been  before  an  Inspirationist,  another  a  Pietist,  Sepa- 
ratist, and  whatever  other  kinds  might  be  mentioned.  These 
then  assembled  in  the  church,  selected  a  passage  of  the  Bible, 
and  then  disputed  about  it.  But  they  allowed  no  one  to 
compare  Scripture  with  Scripture,  but  were  of  the  opinion 
that  every  question  could  be  decided  by  every  one's  convic- 
tion. The  vulgar  called  these  people  Disputants,  but  they 
called  themselves  The  Free  Assembly.  Nevertheless  these 
antics  soon  amounted  to  nothing. 

After  this  they  let  Count  Zinzendorf  and  his  Moravians 
take  possession  of  the  church,  who  preached  there  awhile, 
and  the  turner  John  Bechtel  was  one  of  his  worst  proselyters. 
But  since  this  Count  Zinzendorf  got  into  confusing  quarrels 
and  contentions  with  those  Separatists,  who  came  down  on 
him  too  hard,  he  left  this  congregation  of  Germantown  to  his 
brother,  John  Bechtel,  went  away  and  returned  to  Philadel- 
phia. Then  these  thoughtless  people  permitted  themselves 
to  be  led  astray  by  this  Bechtel  through  his  hypocritical  and 
smooth  words,  since  he  pretended  that  he  would  in  the  future 
firmly  adhere  to  the  Reformed  doctrine,  and  he  brought  it  by 
means  of  his  sectarian  creatures  so  far  among  them  that,  on 
his  promise  henceforth  to  adhere  to  the  Reformed  doctrine 
and  always  to  teach  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  in  its  purity 
in  all  its  points,  they  engaged  him  on  January  27,  1743,  for 
a  year,  as  their  pastor,  giving  him  a  testimonial  thereof  in 
writing.  But  hardly  a  week  afterwards  he  wanted  a  paper 
signed  by  the  four  officers  of  the  congregation,  in  which  he 
excepted  the  eightieth  and  the  one  hundred  and  fourteenth 


BECOBDS  OF  1744.  29 

questions.  On  being  asked  why,  lie  replied:  The  eightieth 
question  was  unnecessary  in  this  country  and  the  one  hundred 
and  fourteenth  (he  said)  was  not  true,  because  those  who  were 
converted  no  longer  committed  sin,  and  not  only  could  keep 
the  Commandments  of  God,  but  it  was  very  easy  for  them  to 
do  so.  Whereupon  the  largest  part  of  the  congregation  op- 
posed him  all  the  more,  but  however  they  might  try  to  induce 
him  (to  leave)  he  had  their  paper,  and  they  had  to  get  along 
with  him  that  year. 

During  that  year  he  meanwhile  established  himself  firmly 
with  his  Mora^^ans  in  the  church.  They  built  a  gallery  in 
it,  bought  an  organ  for  60  pounds  and  put  it  on  the  gallery, 
intending  by  means  of  these  hea\y  expenses — since  the  Ee- 
formed  were  so  far  back  in  their  payments  and  unable  to 
pay — in  this  way  to  get  this  church  under  the  control  of  the 
Mora\4ans.  For  this  purpose  they  also  offered  to  furnish 
the  money.  But  when  the  year  agreed  upon  was  up.  on 
January  27,  1744,  they  obtained  control  of  the  church  and 
got  rid  of  Bechtel,  whom  they  dismissed.  But  the  costs  of  the 
alterations  and  the  organ  had  to  be  refunded.  How  they 
were  able  to  do  this  I  cannot  imagine. 

^Meanwhile  if  these  people  had  a  loyal  disposition,  upon 
which  we  could  rely,  and  if  that  congregation  would  let  itself 
be  governed  according  to  the  Constitution,  it  would  be  of 
great  importance  to  offer  them  assistance.  But  I  have  not 
yet  been  able  to  find  the  necessary  requisites  among  them. 
For  when  they  were  now  rid  of  Bechtel,  on  the  next  Sunday 
thereafter  nearly  all  the  Reformed  people  in  the  -s^cinity, 
from  far  and  near,  came  together  (most  of  the  "Whitemarsh 
people  were  also  there)  to  consult  in  what  manner  the  best 
and  most  suitable  measures  might  be  taken  that  this  congre- 
gation might  be  brought  into  a  good  condition.  At  this  time 
(according  to  the  testimony  of  the  elder  from  Whitemarsh, 
William  De  Wees)  not  a  single  member  was  present  who  did 
not  vote  for  this,  to  call  me  also  at  Germantown  as  their  reg- 
ular pastor,  under  the  same  conditions  as  is  mentioned  in  the 
enclosed  letter  C,  on  page  6.  regarding  the  little  Whitemarsh 
congregation,  that  both  of  these  congregations  be  brought 
under  our  Church-Order  and  be  combined.  But  because  one 
ought  to  deal  very  cautiously  with  such  people,  it  happened 


30  COKTUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

that  on  February  20th  last,  as  in  passing  I  conversed  with 
one  named  jMinck  at  his  house  in  Germantown  about  these 
matters,  I  gave  him  this  as  my  resolution:  That  I  was  very 
glad  that  it  had  finally  come  so  far,  and  that  whenever  they 
would  come  and  place  themselves  under  our  ordinances  and 
enter  into  our  Christian  communion,  wherein  already  stood 
the  Whitemarsh  congregation,  whose  regular  minister  of  God's 
Word  I  was,  I  should  A\ith  all  my  heart  and  gladly  serve 
them,  and,  until  God  would  be  pleased  to  send  from  elsewhere 
other  aid,  would  help  them,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  in  con- 
ducting their  religious  services.  And  if  they  would  agree 
to  this  then  I  would  expect  from  the  congregation,  or  from 
their  elders  in  their  name,  a  Avritten  certificate  thereof,  men- 
tioning whatever  they  desired  me  to  do.  Whereupon  I  in 
return  would  likewise  let  them  have  my  answer  in  my  own 
writing.  In  answer  to  which  this  Minck  replied,  this  shall  be 
done.  Which,  however,  they  did  not  carry  out.  And  it 
seems  that  the  thought  to  be  in  subjection  to  church  order, 
when  every  one  is  not  permitted  to  act  in  everything  arbi- 
trarily and  according  to  his  own  pleasure,  was  not  agreeable 
to  some.  These  then,  acting  on  their  oa\ti  authority,  on  IMarch 
11th,  allowed  a  vagrant  to  preach  in  their  church,  a  lock- 
smith by  trade,  living  at  Raritan,  but  who,  as  if  he  were 
a  country  apostle,  travels  everywhere  through  the  land  to 
preach;  and  thus  they  acted  simply  on  their  own  authority, 
without  their  four  chosen  elders  kno\\ang  anything  about  it, 
much  less  appointing  it  or  consenting  to  it,  which  I  have 
learned  from  the  mouth  of  some  of  these  four  men,  and  I  also 
ascertained  their  displeasure  at  such  proceedings.  Which 
act  does  not  appear  to  be  of  a  more  encouraging  nature  than 
the  previous  acceptance  of  John  Bechtel:  the  more  so  as 
Bechtel  when  preaching  towards  the  end  of  his  year  one  Sun- 
day morning  announced  at  the  conclusion  of  the  service  that 
in  the  afternoon  just  this  locksmith  (who  was  present)  would 
preach,  which  also  took  place.  From  which  one  can  readily 
judge  that  this  man  and  Bechtel  are  about  of  the  same  sort 
and  played  together  under  the  same  cover.  Finally,  before 
Easter,  they  also  went  and  asked  Do.  Dorsius  at  Neshaminy 
to  preach  for  them,  and  hence  on  Easter  Sunday  he  preached 
at  Germantown. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1744.  ^i 

Do.  Dorsius  has  also  promised  the  people  at  New  Goshen- 
hoppen  to  administer  the  Lord's  Supper  there  on  May  6,  and 
that  on  the  7th  he  would  be  at  Old  Goshenhoppen,  situated 
about  four  miles  from  Skippack,  where  the  Lutheran  and  the 
Reformed  people  ^vish  to  build  a  union  church  (whereby  again 
some  members  v»411  be  drawn  away  from  Skippack,  for  until 
now  this  district  had  belonged  to  Skippack),  and  on  May  7th 
he  will  there  lay  the  corner-stone.  On  this  occasion  the 
Lutheran  preacher,  Andres  by  name,  and  Do.  Dorsius  are 
each  to  preach  a  sermon.  Do.  Dorsius  asked  said  Lutheran 
pastor  to  announce  this  from  his  pulpit  for  the  benefit  of  his 
Lutheran  congregation,  which  he  did  on  April  8th.  After- 
wards I  was  told  by  some  of  my  elders  who  were  present  that 
the  Lutheran  minister  distinctly  said:  ''Rev.  Inspector  Dor- 
sius will  administer  the  Lord's  Supper  on  ^lay  6  at  New 
Goshenhoppen  for  the  Reformed  people,  and  on  the  7th  ditto, 
at  the  la^-ing  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  union  church  at  Old 
Goshenhoppen,  he.  as  well  as  myself  (the  Lutheran  pastor), 
will  preach  the  first  sermon"  (which  words  a  certain  man 
who  had  heard  them  told  me  ^\'ith  astonishment  in  my  house 
on  the  16th  of  April) . 

AAliat  all  these  things  mean, — to  foster  the  spirit  of  inde- 
pendence in  congregations  which  with  difficulty  allow  them- 
selves to  be  brought  under  church  order:  and  to  make  no 
attempt  to  lead  them  to  something  more  edifying  and  whole- 
some and  what  consequences  this  will  cause  in  the  future. — 
all  this  time  alone  will  show.  J.  P.  Boehm. 

April  20,  1744. 

P.  S.  On  May  6,  Do.  Dorsius  administered  the  Lord's 
Supper  at  New  Goshenhoppen;  several  persons  from  Falkner 
Swamp  communed  there  without  saying  anything. 

On  I\Iay  7.  the  corner-stone  of  the  above-mentioned  union 
church  was  to  be  laid:  a  considerable  number  of  people  were 
present,  but  the  day  was  rainy.  Do.  Dorsius  did  not  come. 
It  was  then  postponed  till  ^Vhit  Monday,  May  14,  old  style. 
Do.  Dorsius  again  did  not  come.  But  an  elder  of  Xevr 
Goshenhoppen  was  appointed  to  represent  Do.  Dorsius.  and 
thus  the  work  was  accomplished.  Boehm. 

July  7,  1744. 

(On  Sunday.  July  8,  Do.  Doi-sius  was  at  Conestoga.) 


32  COETUS  OF  PENNS'FLVANIA. 


In    the    name 

of    the 
Triune     God, 

Amen. 


COETUS    ACTS 

of  the  Reformed  Ministerium  of 
the  congregations  in  Pennsylvania. 

Philadelphia,  September,  29th, 
1747. 

By 

Michael   Schlatter,   V.    D.   M., 

of  St.  Gall,  Switzerland, 

now  the  regular  minister  of  the  Reformed  Church 

which  is  being  gathered  for  Christ  in  Philadelphia 

and  German  town. 

President  pro  tern,  of  the  Coetus 

under  the  supervision  of 

the  Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland. 
(Hague  74,  I.  46.) 


EECOBDS  OF  1747.  33 

(Tuesday)  September  29. 
In  the  forenoon  at  9  o'clock  all  the  members  of  the  Honor- 
able and  Reverend  Coetus  proceeded  from  the  parsonage  to 
the  old  church,  where  the  Rev.  Brother  Rieger  preached  on 
the  133d  Psalm  in  a  devout  and  edifying  manner,  and  to  the 
general  satisfaction  of  his  hearers. 

Afternoon  at  2  o'clock, 
the  first  session. 

This  session,  like  all  the  following,  was  opened  with  fervent 
prayer.  In  accordance  with  the  desire  of  the  Reverend 
Deputies  of  the  Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland,  the 
writer  of  this,  Michael  Schlatter,  presided.  Thereupon  the 
names  of  the  members  present  at  the  meeting  were  recorded, 
and  these  were  the  following,  namely  : 

From  Philadelphia  and  Germantown. — Michael  Schlatter, 
V.  D.  M.,  and  president  pro  tem.,  Daniel  Bouton,  John  Gaul, 
Christopher  Meng,  Paul  Geissel. 

Falkner  Swamp,  Providence  and  Witpen  Township.— 
John  Philip  Boehm,  V.  D.  M.,  Frederick  Reimer,  Conrad 
Ribel  and  John  Herpel,  Michael  Kleim. 

Old  and  Neiv  Goshenhoppen,  Great  Swamp. — Georg  Mi- 
chael Weiss,  Y.  D.  IM.,  Christian  Schneider  and  Daniel  Hister, 
John  Huth  and  Philip  Ried,  John  Huber  and  Nicholas  Mont- 
bauer. 

Schaeffer^s  Church  and  Erlentoion*  Congregation  in  Con- 
estoga. — John  Barth.  Rieger,  V.  D.  M.,  Michael  Weidler,  Philip 
Rank. 

Lancaster. — Vacant. 

Tulpehocken. — John  Stein,  Valentine  Unruh. 

Skippack. — Jacob  Arnet,  Peter  Speyker. 

Indian  Field. — Michael  Berger,  Frederick  ZoeUner. 

Springfield. — Christian  Schugg. 

Blue  Mountains  and  Egypt. — Abraham  Wotring,  Peter 
Kocher. 

Little  Lehigh. — Henry  Roth. 

Saucon  at  EerzeVs. — Anthony  Lerch. 

York  (Jorgtown). — Caspar  Spengler. 

It  was  further  resolved  that  our  General  Coetus  shall  be 

*  Erlentown  stands  for  Earl  township,  in  Lancaster  county. 


34  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

held  annually  on  [St.]  Michael's  Day,*  and  shall  be  convened 
by  the  president  then  in  ofifice. 

(Wednesday)  September  30. 

SECOND   AND   THIRD   SESSIONS. 

My  journal  from  June,  1746,  to  March  1,  1747,  of  which  a 
full  copy  was  sent  to  Holland  to  the  Reverend  Deputies  of 
the  Reverend  and  Christian  Synods,  and  to  the  much  Es- 
teemed Classis  of  Amsterdam,  was  read  by  me  word  for  word. 
This  journal,  or  record,  was  approved  by  the  Coetus,  its  cor- 
rectness acknowledged,  and  the  following  letter  authorized 
and  ordered  to  be  sent  to  Holland : 

(Thursday)  September  31.** 

FOURTH  session. 

Upon  the  written  summons  of  his  Reverence,  Domine 
Michael  Schlatter,  sent  from  Philadelphia  to  us,  the  under- 
signed Ministers  and  Elders  of  the  High  German  Reformed 
Churches  in  Pennsylvania,  that  we  appear  in  Philadelphia 
on  the  29th  of  September,  1747,  in  order  to  attend  the  afore- 
said Coetus,  we,  the  undersigned,  have  obediently  appeared 
here.  At  this  Coetus  Do.  Schlatter  clearly  and  distinctly 
read  his  report  to  the  Reverend  and  Christian  Synods  of 
South  and  North  Holland,  and  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
made  under  date  September  22,  1746,  December  15,  and  in 
the  month  of  May,  1747,  consisting  of  seven  or  eight  sheets, 
commencing  June  1,  1746,  and  ending  with  his  greeting. 
We  have  understood  it  well,  and  in  accordance  with  his  Syn- 
odical  instructions  have  read  it  in  all  the  congregations,  and 
having  approved  the  same  we  do  hereby  attest  and  confirm 
its  statements." 

Done  in  our  Coetal  Assembly,  held  for  the  first  time,  in 
Philadelphia  under  date. 

Further  did  Do.  Schlatter  make  a  detailed  report  to  the 
Coetus  of  his  journeys  among  the  Reformed  congregations 
in  Pennsylvania  this  spring  and  summer,  which  we  considered 
and  discussed.  Whereupon  we  requested  Mr.  Schlatter  most 
amicably  and  fraternally  to  have  the  kindness  to  take  also  this 

*  St.  Michael 's  Day  is  September  29th. 
**  Septonibor  having  only  thirty  days,  this  date  ought  to  be  October  1st. 


BECOBDS  OF  1747.  35 

trouble  upon  himself,  besides  his  manifold  duties,  namely,  to 
make  known  to  the  Reverend  Deputies  of  the  Christian  Synods 
and  to  the  Reverend  Classis  the  acts  of  this  our  Coetus 
now  being  held,  which  Do.  Schlatter  agreed  to  do,  but 
added  the  request  that  from  the  entire  Coetus  certain 
men  might  be  chosen  and  authorized  who  should  examine  the 
aforesaid  report,  which  his  Reverence  should  at  his  conve- 
nience afterwards  write  up  in  proper  form,  in  order  to  ascer- 
tain whether  or  not  Mr.  Schlatter  had  expressed  the  sentiment 
of  the  Rev.  Coetus,  which  proposition  having  been  approved 
of  by  us  we  have  chosen  the  following  men,  namely:  Mr. 
Daniel  Bouton,  of  Philadelphia;  Paul  Geissel,  of  German- 
town;  Frederick  Reimer,  of  Falkner  Swamp;  John  Huth,  of 
Goshenhoppen,  who  should  comply  with  the  request  of  Mr. 
Schlatter  and  sign  this  our  Coetal  report  in  the  name  of  us  all. 

Signed  by  the  following  persons: 
J.  P.  BoEHM,  V.  D.  M.,^  Philip  Rank, 

G.  M.  Weiss,  V.  D.  M.,  Peter  Speyker, 

John  Earth.  Rieger,  V.  D.  M.,     Michael  Berge, 
Frederick  Reimer,  Caspar  Spengler, 

John  Daniel  Bouton,  John  Stein, 

Paul  Geissel,  Henry  Roth,  . 

John  Huth,  Georg  Ruth, 

Christian  Schneider,  Anthony  Lerch, 

John  Huber,  Abraham  Wotring, 

Michael  Kleim,  Peter  Kocher. 

Michael  Weydler, 

(Thursday)  Octoher  Ist*^ 
fifth  session. 

I  made  a  report  of  what  I  had  done  in  behalf  of  the 
brethren  of  our  faith  in  Pennsylvania  since  the  month  of 
March  until  the  present  time,  as  follows :  Several  letters  were 
read  from  Fred.  Casimir  Miller,  Mr.  Petersen,  schoolmaster 
at  Indian  Field,  and  Mr.  Seyfert;  also  a  few  letters  of  a  bet- 
ter kind  addressed  to  me  from  different  consistories,  from 
Monocacy,   Conewago,  Lancaster,  York,  Donegal,  Macungie. 

*  Verbi  Dei  Minister,  i.  e.,  Minister  of  God 's  Word. 
**  The  original  has  September  31,  but  this  is  certainly  a  mistake. 


36  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Lehigh,  Raritan,  Cocalico,  Little  Lehigh,  Saucon,  Forks  [of 
the  Delaware],  etc.,  all  of  which  requested  help  of  me  and 
asked  for  the  Lord's  Supper.  Likewise  a  letter  was  read 
and  translated  which  was  written  to  me  by  Do.  Hoedemaker, 
pastor  at  the  Hague,  dated  April  20,  1747,  stating  that  the 
letters  which  I  had  sent  to  Holland  by  Philip  Ullrich  were 
lost,  but  the  first  sheet  of  the  Journal  was  duly  received  in 
Holland,  was  considered  satisfactory,  and  was  taken  up  by  the 
Reverend  Synods  and  the  Reverend  Deputies.  I  have  also  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Jacob  Lischy,  formerly  a  Herrnhuter  or  Mora- 
vian preacher,  written  to  me  in  the  month  of  August  of  this 
year.  In  this  letter  he  requests  to  be  received  as  a  brother  by 
the  Rev.  Coetus,  that  he  might  in  the  future  labor  among  and 
with  us  as  a  true  Reformed  minister. 

On  May  1st  I  made  a  journey  over  the  Susquehanna  River, 
preached  in  York,  and  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  151 
persons,  baptized  29  children;  112  men  promised  28  pounds 
and  200  bushels  of  grain. 

In  Conewago  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  80  per- 
sons, baptized  21  children,  and  46  men  promised  11  pounds 
and  60  bushels  of  grain. 

In  Monocacy  I  administered  the  Lord's  Supper  to  86  per- 
sons, baptized  26  children,  and  49  men  promised  36  pounds 
money  and  86  bushels  of  grain. 

In  the  congregation  at  Jeremiah  Miller's,  in  Donegal,  I 
preached,  and  there  17  men  promised  8  pounds  and  38  bushels 

of  grain. 

The  congregation  at  Bastian  Reyer's,  where  I  administered 
the  Lord's  Supper  to  70  persons,  promised  13  pounds  and 
about  100  bushels  of  grain. 

Cocalico  and  Muddy  Creek  received  me  partly  with  cold- 
ness and  partly  with  rudeness.  Particularly  in  Muddy  Creek 
did  my  instruction  meet  with  little  respect,  because  they  were 
satisfied  with  Do.  Tempelman,  who  still  preaches  to  them. 

Regarding  the  said  Mr.  Tempelman,  he  appears  to  be  an 
honest,  well-meaning  person,  and  to  be  much  liked  by  these 
three  above-mentioned  and  some  other  congregations,  as  Quit- 
topehilla,  Swatara,  Donegal,  etc.  Therefore  it  was  resolved 
with  regard  to  him  that,  since,  in  sincerity  and  to  the  best  of 
his  ability,  he  has  tried  to  keep  these  congregations  together, 


EE COEDS  OF  1747. 


37 


without  seeking  or  finding  much  advantage  thereby,  and  did 
not  set  himself  against  our  order,  but  was  always  ready  to 
make  way  for  an  ordained  minister,  therefore  his  case  shall 
be  reported  to  Holland,  and  inquiry  be  made  whether,  after 
White  Oaks,  Cocalico  and  Muddy  Creek  have  received  an 
ordained  minister,  he  might  not  be  ordained,  and  then  Swa- 
tara,  where  he  resides,  Donegal  and  Quittopehilla  be  given  to 
him.  Oley,  Manatawny,  Maxatawny,  Macungie,  Allem.aengel, 
Lehigh,  etc.,  are  not  yet  ripe  enough.  They  should  be  let 
alone  until  their  desire  for  true  and  regular  ministers  be- 
comes greater. 

In  Saucon,  Forks,  Springfield,  etc.,  the  people  are  well 
satisfied  with  Mr.  Conrad  Wierts,  of  Zurich,  some  few  ex- 
cepted. Poverty  hurts  the  man  much  in  his  ministry,  but 
because  he  means  well  and  no  one  can  speak  evil  of  him, 
therefore  the  circumstances  with  regard  to  his  person  and 
said  congregations  shall  be  favorably  reported  to  Holland. 

(FRroAY)  Octoher  2. 

SIXTH   SESSION. 

Kegarding  i\Ir.  Jacob  Lischy,  it  was  resolved  that  I  and  Do. 
Rieger  should  travel,  before  winter  sets  in,  to  York,  on  the 
Catores  [Codorus],  to  examine  the  affairs  and  condition  and 
the  feeling  of  the  congregation  there  towards  2\Ir.  Lischy,  and 
then  report  everything,  together  with  his  above-mentioned 
request,  to  Holland,  and  obtain  advice  whether  vv-e  can  or 
ought  to  accept  him  if  he  should  unreservedly  submit  to  all 
regulations  and  allow  himself  to  be  ordained  anew.  It  is  also 
resolved  that  in  the  letter  to  Holland,  Monocacy  and  Cono- 
cocheague,  in  Maryland,  and  Shenandoah,  Southbranch,  Po- 
tompoC  and  Lyken  Run  [Licking  Run],  or  Germantown  [in 
Virginia],  be  most  favorably  mentioned,  and  to  intercede  for 
the  same,  that  they  may  receive  a  minister  for  themselves,  or 
at  least  some  other  help. 

In  regard  to  the  differences  at  Skippack,  about  the  money 
collected  in  New  York  for  the  church  at  Skippack  by  Do. 
Boehm  in  the  year  17 — ,  these  have  been  settled  in  the  follow- 
ing manner : 

1.  When  the  names  and  the  offer  of  the  Reformed  people, 
who  at  present  belong  or  desire  to  belong  to  the  congregation 


38  COETVS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

at  Skippack,  was  brought  in  there  were  found  18  men  who 
promised  together  8  pounds  8  shillings  for  a  pastor,  who 
should  also  minister  to  them. 

2.  Do.  Boehm,  who  served  the  church  at  Skippack  for  more 
than  20  years,  has  received  little  salary,  and  he  says  up  to 
this  time  he  has  never  been  able  to  induce  the  congregation 
to  make  an  effort  to  build  a  church  with  the  money  collected. 

3.  The  congregation  was  almost  entirely  broken  up,  so  that 
a  year  ago  there  were  not  five  families  who  remained  loyal  to 
Do.  Boehm. 

4.  Do.  Boehm  made  the  following  proposition  to  the 
Coetus,*  namely: 

Whether  he  might  not  properly  apply  and  expend  this 
money  collected  in  New  York,  consisting  of  44  pounds,  for 
the  church  and  congregation,  which  would  be  erected  in  Wit- 
pen  township. 

5.  The  Coetus  made  no  objection  to  Rev.  Brother  Boehm 's 
proposition,  in  case  the  congregation  at  Skippack  would  also 
agree  to  it. 

Whereupon  the  brethren  from  Skippack,  as  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  congregation,  jMessrs.  Jac.  Arent  and  Peter 
Speyker,  agreed  and  settled  with  Do.  Boehm  before  the  whole 
Coetus,  as  follows: 

That  Do.  Boehm  be  permitted  to  use  40  pounds  of  the  money 
collected  in  New  York  for  the  church  in  Witpen  township; 
the  other  4  pounds,  as  well  as  the  other  collections  raised  in 
Philadelphia  and  in  other  places  for  Skippack,  shall  be  deliv- 
ered by  Do.  Boehm  to  the  people  of  Skippack. 

*  The  name  ' '  Coetus ' '  is  derived  from  the  Latin  co  for  cum  together 
and  the  passive  participle  of  ire  to  go,  hence  it  means  that  which  has 
come  together  or  a  convention.  It  was  first  applied  by  John  a  Lasco 
to  a  weekly  conference  of  ministers,  which  he  established  in  1544  at 
Emden,  Germany. 

See  H.  Dalton,  Johannes  a  Lasco,  Gotha  1S81,  pp.  252-258. 

The  name  came  to  Pennsylvania  more  directly  from  Holland.  The 
Deputies  of  the  Synods  of  North  and  South  Holland  called  each  of 
their  monthly  meetings  a  coetus.  In  this  sense  the  word  is  used  on  the 
title  page  of  the  first  Coetus-Minutes.  Gradually  it  was  transferred 
from  the  meeting  to  the  organization  itself.  The  name  Coetus  indi- 
cated, both  in  Holland  and  Pennsylvania,  that  the  resolutions  of  the 
respective  bodies  were  not  final  until  approved  by  the  Synods  of  Holland, 


MINUTES    OF    THE    SECOND    COETUS    OF    THE 

REFORMED  CHURCHES  IN  PENNSYLVANIA, 

HELD  ON  THE  28th  OF  SEPTEMBER,  1748. 

(Hague  74,  ii.  6,  pp.  6-14.) 

Preparatory  to  the  meeting  of  Coetus  a  sermon  was  preached 
on  Eph.  vi.  23,  24  by  Do.  John  Philip  Leydich,  a  Reformed 
minister  and  member  of  this  Coetus.  This  service  took  place 
at  10  a.  m.  in  the  new  church  at  Philadelphia.  In  the  after- 
noon at  3  o'clock  the  Coetus  was  opened  by  invoking  the 
fatherly  blessing  of  God,  the  president  being  Mr.  John  Philip 
Boehm,  who  was  the  first  High-German  Reformed  minister 
in  Pennsylvania,  ordained  in  1728,*  at  present  pastor  in 
Falkner  Swamp,  Providence  and  Witpen. 

I. 

It  was  resolved  to  decide  on  what  day  of  the  year,  in 
future,  the  annual  meeting  of  Coetus  should  be  held,  which 
should  then  be  announced  to  the  whole  body,  so  that  hereafter 
every  one  might  know  what  to  do.  After  a  deliberation  con- 
cerning this  article  it  was  resolved  that  the  Coetus  should 
always  be  held  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  September,  and  that 
the  next  meeting  in  1749  should  be  held  at  Lancaster,  in 
Conestoga.  This  was  then  adopted  by  the  Reverend  Coetus, 
and  was  announced  to  the  whole  reverend  body.  It  was  also 
decided  that  the  annual  meeting  shall  be  opened  with  a  ser- 
mon on  this  said  Tuesday,  in  the  morning  at  10  o'clock. 

II. 

No  one  shall  be  allowed  to  occupy  a  seat  in  this  Reverend 
Coetus  but  the  orthodox  and  regular  ministers,  who  are  actu- 
allj^  serving  the  Reformed  people  in  Pennsylvania,  together 
with  one  of  the  elders  of  their  congregations,  who  may  accom- 
pany them. 

And  in  order  to  prevent  all  dispute  and  strife  in  this  matter 

*  This  is  a  mistake ;  it  ought  to  be  1729. 

(39) 


40  COETUS  OF  PEXSSTLrAyiA, 

among  the  eoosastories  and  congregations  of  the  whole  coun- 
try it  was  required  that  each  member  of  the  consistory  who 
appears  shall  lay  before  the  Coetns  a  satisfactory  certificate, 
signed  by  every  other  member  of  the  consistory  of  his  congre- 
gation. These  certificates  shall  be  preserved,  together  with 
the  minutes  of  the  Coetus.  for  all  time,  so  that  no  one  shall 
be  able  to  complain  with  regard  to  what  may  be  done  by  th.>se 
who  have  been  selected  as  delegates  and  what  they,  together 
with  their  ministers,  may  transact  and  resolve  in  the  Rever- 
end Coetus,  With  respect  to  said  certificates,  there  have  been 
only  a  few  brought  in  this  year,  a  matter  which  was  over- 
looked this  time  on  account  of  the  ignorance  of  some  of  the 
members.  However,  it  was  resolved  to  allow  no  one  here- 
after to  sit  or  vote  in  the  Coetus,  or  to  be  heard,  unless  he  has 
shown  a  proper  eertifieate  from  the  c-onsistory  to  which  he 


nL 

The  president  stated  that  a  paper  should  be  drawn  up  with 
regard  to  the  following  instruction  given  to  the  Do.  ^lichael 
Schlatter  by  the  Venerable  Christian  Synods  of  South  and 
North  H(^and:  "That  the  members  of  the  said  Reverend 
Goetos  should  sign  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  and  the  Canons 
of  the  National  Synod  of  Dort  of  161S  and  1619.  declaring 
that  they  with  heart  and  soul  are  devoted  to  the  same  and 
will  hold  to  them  unalterably.*'  The  Reverend  Coetus  con- 
sidered it  right  and  necessary  to  do  this,  and  thereupon  the 
following  was  submitted:  "'^Ve.  the  undersigned  ministers  in 
actual  service  in  the  Reformed  congregations  in  Pennsylvania, 
having  appeared  at  the  appointed  Coetus  in  Philadelphia  on 
September  2StlL  17-tS.  together  with  the  accompanying  elders 
from  our  congregations,  do  hereby  affirm  that  we  are  devoted 
heart  and  soul  to  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  and  the  Canons 
of  the  National  Synod  of  Dort  of  1618  and  1619.  and  that  we 
shall  unalterably  hold  to  theuL  as  we  do  hereby:'' 

[Eldebs:]  pirsTSTEBs:] 

Fbedebick  Rehttb  of  Falkner  Johx  Philip  Boekm,  minister 

Swamp.  at   Falkner   Swamp,    Provi- 

JoH>-  HzBPEL  of  Providence.  dence    and   Witpen,    Pre?. , 

Mich  A  EI.  Cledc  of  Witpen.  p.  t 


BE  COEDS  OF  17  48.  ^\ 

John  Leim  [Lein]  of  the  tirst      Michael  Schlatter,  V.  D.  M.. 

congregation    in    Conestoga.  Reformed  Minister  at  Phila- 

organized    May     31.    1730,  delphia  and  Germantown. 

where  Do.  Rieger  preaches.  John  Philip  Leydich,  Re- 
Daniel  Bolton,   of   Philadel-  formed  minister  in  Pennsvl- 

phia.  vania. 

John   Heberling,    of    Tulpe-      Dominicus      Bartholomaeus, 

hocken.  V.  D.  M. 

Nicholas  Trewer,  of  Lancas-      John    Jacob     Hochreutner. 

ter,   the  new  city  in  Cone-  V,  D.  M. 

stoga. 

Xow  becaiLse  Do.  John  Bartholomew  Rieger  refused  to  do 
this  he  was  requested  to  give  his  reasons  in  writing.  He 
then  (as  secretary)  himself  wrote  do'v\'n  the  following: 

"With  regard  to  the  desire  of  a  Christian  S^mod.  namely. 
the  signing  of  a  paper  by  all  the  members  of  the  Coetus.  that 
they  believe  ^vith  all  their  heart  and  soul  what  is  contained 
in  the  Heidelberg  Catechism  and  the  Acts  of  the  S^'nod  of 
Dort,  Anno  161S  and  1619.  and  hold  to  them  unchangeably. 
the  said  Do.  Rieger  has  heartily  and  sincerely  declared  that 
he  felt  some  scruples  concerning  the  article  of  the  Synod  of 
Dort  treating  of  predestination  in  the  sense  of  Calvin,  and 
therefore  submits  this  as  a  'casum  conscientiae "  to  the  judg- 
ment of  Synod. ' ' 

Next  in  order  was  the  consideration  and  deliberation  by 
the  whole  Coetus  of  the  general  welfare  of  the  Reformed 
churches  in  Pennsylvania.  In  order  to  serve  this  end  it  was 
suggested  that  the  Constitution  be  read,  if,  the  Reverend  Coe- 
tus so  desires,  which  Constitution  was  dra^vn  up  at  the  very 
beginning  of  our  Reformed  worship,  in  the  year  1725.  by  Do. 
John  Philip  Boehm.  who  was  at  that  time  elected  by  the 
Reformed  members  in  Pennsylvania,  and  all  the  elders  and 
members  of  the  congregations.  It  was  revised  by  the  three 
reverend  gentlemen,  and  at  that  time  corresponding  minis- 
ters. Gualther  DuBois  and  Henry  Boel.  of  Xew  York,  and 
Vincent  Antonides.  of  Long  Island,  and  then  it  was  sent  to 
the  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  The  latter  approved 
and  permitted  its  use.  and  in  the  year  1728  it  was  adopted, 
and  has  remained  in  use  among  the  fii*st  High  German  Re- 
formed concrreeations  and  several  others. 


42  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  reading  of  this  Constitution  was  unanimously  demanded 
by  the  Coetus,  and  it  was  read.  But  in  order  not  to  detain 
at  the  Reverend  Coetus  the  delegates  of  those  congregations  in 
which  there  are  as  yet  no  ministers,  but  who  nevertheless  were 
sent  to  the  Coetus,  and  who  have  come  a  great  distance  to 
submit  their  affairs,  therefore  the  deliberation  of  the  above- 
mentioned  Constitution,  after  having  been  read  distinctly, 
was  postponed  till  toward  the  close  of  the  sessions. 

IV. 

The  delegates  from  Egypt  and  Heidelberg,  in  Bucks  county, 
and  from  Little  Lehigh,  have  asked  for  a  regular  minister, 
and  have  received  as  a  unanimous  answer  from  the  Coetus 
that  if  at  least  50  pounds  of  Pennsylvania  money  can  be 
raised,  then  Coetus  will  send  a  request  to  the  Venerable 
Christian  Synods  to  obtain  a  minister  for  them. 

Further,  the  delegates  of  the  contending  party,  unfavorable 
to  Mr.  Lischy,  offered  their  objections  to  Mr.  Lischy  in  writing. 
Whereupon  the  unanimous  resolution  of  Coetus  was  that  Mr. 
Lischy  should  bring  his  confession  of  faith  in  writing,  and 
that  it  should  be  sent  by  the  Coetus  to  the  Christian  Synods 
and  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam  for  decision,  and  that 
until  then  the  case  of  said  Mr.  Lischy  shall  be  postponed. 
But  in  the  meantime,  through  a  sort  of  compromise  for  the 
sake  of  peace,  Mr.  Lischy,  as  an  otherwise  industrious  minister, 
shall  be  allowed  to  work  among  the  scattered  multitude  of 
people. 

V. 

The  question  came  up  whether  any  Reformed  minister 
belonging  to  this  Coetus  should  in  future  be  allowed  to  admit 
from  another  district  (where  there  is  a  regular  minister  be- 
longing to  this  Coetus)  any  one  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  to  bap- 
tize children  and  officiate  at  marriages  whenever  and  wherever 
he  will,  or  whether  every  one  should  remain  in  his  district  and 
only  officiate  among  members  that  are  enrolled  in  his  congre- 
gation or  congregations,  and  belong  to  his  district.  Regard- 
ing this  fifth  point  it  was  resolved  by  the  Reverend  Coetus 
that  no  minister  of  this  Coetus  shall  admit  any  member  of 
the  Reformed  congregations,  whether  husband,  wife  or  single 
person,  to  the  Holy  Communion  who  formerly  went  to  Com- 


RECOBDS  OF  1748.  43 

munion  to  another  minister  belonging  to  this  Coetus,  without 
the  former  minister's  knowledge,  and  unless  a  certificate  be 
shown.  The  same  regulation  shall  hold  for  Holy  Baptism 
as  for  the  Holy  Supper.  Cases  of  necessity,  in  which  one 
brother  feels  in  duty  bound  to  help  the  other,  are  excepted. 
The  minister  who  is  so  requested  shall  take  no  fee  for  his 
labor,  but  shall  perform  it  as  for  his  brother,  and  therefore 
he  shall  give  a  baptismal  certificate  to  those  caring  for  the 
baptized  child,  and  shall  enjoin  upon  them  to  give  this  certifi- 
cate to  their  regular  minister,  so  that  such  a  child  may  be  reg- 
istered in  the  regular  book  of  baptism,  in  which  the  entry 
belongs,  for  which  registration  those  who  care  for  the  child 
shall  pay  the  usual  fee  to  their  regular  minister.  And  with 
regard  to  the  proclamation  and  the  officiating  at  marriages, 
no  minister  shall  take  away  anything  from  his  brother's  per- 
quisites, but  shall  refer  the  parties  to  the  place  where  they 
belong. 

And  if  it  be  done  for  one  or  more  important  reasons  (ex- 
cept hatred  in  any  form,  concerning  which  the  minister  ought 
always  to  ask) ,  then  it  may  be  done  on  this  condition,  that  the 
officiating  minister  shall  accept  the  fee  and  send  it  unasked 
to  the  minister  of  the  congregation  or  district  to  which  the 
parties  belong. 

And  if  any  minister  shall  act  contrary  to  this  he  shall 
answ^er  in  the  next  Coetus  to  any  complaint  against  him,  and 
shall  defend  himself  and  accept  the  decision  of  Coetus  as  final. 

This,  however,  does  not  refer  to  people  who  do  not  belong 
to  any  of  our  congregations,  or  who  bring  a  license.  They 
are  at  liberty  to  select  their  minister. 

But  if  contrary  to  our  expectation  one  or  the  other  party 
belonging  to  one  of  our  regular  congregations,  out  of  enmity 
should  have  a  ceremony,  as  mentioned  above,  performed  by 
others  or  by  irregular  persons,  then  they  shall  not  be  con- 
sidered as  members  of  the  congregation  under  which  they 
stand  until  they  shall  have  given  ample  satisfaction  to  the 
officiating  consistory  of  their  congregation. 

VI. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  then  considered  and  declared  w^hat 
w^as  to  be  paid  as  a  marriage  fee  by  members  of  the  congre- 


44  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

gations,  and  for  the  registration  of  a  baptized  child  in  the 
baptismal  record,  and  also  for  a  funeral  sermon.  It  was  re- 
solved by  the  Reverend  Coetus  to  ask  as  a  marriage  fee  7 
shillings  and  6  pence,  and  for  a  funeral  sermon  5  shillings. 
But  Holy  Baptism  shall  be  without  any  remuneration. 

VII. 

Question:  Whether  a  man  belonging  to  a  Coetus  congre- 
gation may  be  considered  a  member  of  the  congregation  and 
entitled  to  its  privileges  if  he  does  not  promise  to  contribute 
annually,  acccording  to  his  means,  to  the  maintenance  of  the 
holy  ministerial  office,  and  does  not  actually  contribute?  It 
was  answered  in  the  negative. 

VIII. 

Another  question:  Whether  the  minutes  of  the  Reverend 
Coetus  should  not  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  president  of  each 
year,  because  he  and  the  secretary  are  in  duty  bound  to  take 
the  greatest  care  to  send  faithfully,  and  without  delay  and 
carelessness,  the  transactions  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  what- 
ever else  may  be  found  necessary  during  the  year  to  the  Rev- 
erend Deputies  of  Synod  and  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
in  Holland,  so  that  they  may  be  informed  of  the  transactions  of 
the  Reverend  Coetus  and  see  what  may  be  done  by  them  for  the 
welfare  of  our  Reformed  Church  in  Pennsylvania?  If  this 
question  should  be  answered  in  the  affirmative,  then  the  presi- 
dent must  pledge  himself  with  his  own  signature  at  the  close 
of  Coetus  to  deliver  up  the  minutes,  together  with  the  affixed 
credentials,  which  are  to  be  kept  with  the  minutes,  well  pre- 
served and  without  additions,  before  the  whole  Coetus  at  its 
next  annual  meeting,  to  the  minister  who  then  shall  be  chosen 
president.     The  question  was  answered  in  the  affirmative. 

IX. 

The  ecclesiastical  ordinances  [Constitution]  in  all  their 
points  were  once  more  carefully  considered,  in  accordance 
with  the  resolution  of  Coetus  (Article  3).  The  following 
motion  was  then  passed : 

Since  the  Reverend  Coetus  acknowledges  these  ecclesiastical 
ordinances  in  all  their  parts  as  very  carefully  constructed, 
according  to  the  necessities  of  this  country,  therefore  Coetus 


RECORDS  OF  1748.  45 

deems  it  advantageous  to  retain  them  as  they  have  been  used 
from  the  beginning  in  our  Reformed  churches  here  in  Penn- 
sylvania to  the  present  time,  so  that  the  Church  in  our  whole 
country  may  be  governed  harmoniously  and  in  brotherly  love. 
However,  if  it  should  please  the  Reverend  Christian  Synods 
and  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  as  our  godly  Church 
Fathers,  to  improve  anything  therein  in  order  to  further  the 
future  welfare  of  our  Church,  we  are  heartily  willing  as  your 
children  to  accept  the  same  with  submissive  and  ecclesiastical 
respect,  and  to  be  satisfied  with  your  favorable  answer  and 
confirmation  of  this  matter. 

X. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  may  now  select,  according  to  its  pleas- 
ure, the  next  presidents  for  the  following  two  years,  so  that 
the  retiring  president  can  hand  his  pledges  and  signatures 
concerning  the  Coetus  minutes,  as  is  stated  above  in  Article 
8,  to  his  successor  before  the  whole  Coetus. 

Whereupon  there  were  elected  for  the  year  1749  Do.  Rieger, 
and  for  1750  Do.  Weis. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  resolved  that  if  the  president  of  this 
year  should  take  a  journey  or  die,  according  to  God's  will,* 
the  minutes  of  Coetus  shall  be  entrusted  to  the  minister  who 
was  the  last  president  (if  he  signs  the  pledge),  which  papers 
the  minister  who  holds  the  pledge  of  the  deceased  or  absent 
president  shall  then  take  care  of.  Likewise  if  the  same  should 
happen  to  the  minister  holding  the  pledge,  his  successor  shall 
try  to  obtain  the  papers. 

XI. 

It  was  resolved  to  print  and  sell  the  Church-Order,  which 
was  read  and  approved  of  by  Coetus.  Do.  Boehm  will  give 
his  service  to  this  work,  offering  to  use  the  surplus  money  for 
church  purposes. 

XII.,  and  Finally. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  requests  Do.  Michael  Schlatter,  as 
Commissioner  of  the  Reverend  Synods,  to  faithfully  write 

*  Eev.  Mr.  Boehm  died,  as  he  vaguely  anticipated,  within  seven  months 
after  this  meeting,  while  on  a  journey  to  Egypt,  Lehigh  county,  on 
April  29,  1749. 


46  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

down  the  nature  and  conditions,  and  likewise  the  needs  of  the 
congregations  in  Pennsylvania,  and  to  report  the  same  to  the 
Reverend  Christian  Synods  and  Reverend  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam. Therefore  the  following  were  authorized  to  certify  his 
report  in  the  name  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  after  we  have  left, 
namely : 

The  president.  Do.  Boehm. 

The  secretary.  Do.  Rieger. 

Thus  transacted  in  our  Coetal  meeting  at  Philadelphia  the 
28th  of  September,  1748,  and  signed  in  the  name  of  all  by 

John  Philip  Boehm,  Pres  p.  t. 


APPENDIX. 

It  has  been  considered  necessary  and  useful  to  add  the  following, 
namely : 

That  every  Reformed  minister  belonging  to  the  Reverend  Coetus  shall 
annually  hand  in  to  the  Reverend  Coetus,  without  fail,  according  to  his 
duty,  a  report  concerning  the  members  of  the  congregations  entrusted  to 
him,  how  many  have  died,  how  many  have  been  married,  how  many  chil- 
dren of  both  sexes  have  been  baptized,  and  how  many  new  communicants 
have  been  admitted  to  the  Holy  Communion  during  the  year,  in  addition 
to  the  former  number,  which  shall  be  given. 

And,  moreover,  a  regular  formula  of  the  certificate,  mentioned  in  the 
second  Article  of  the  Minutes  of  Coetus,  shall  be  brought  in,  without 
fail,  by  the  elders  who  appear  at  the  Coetus,  namely,  as  follows: 

We,  the  undersigned  elders  and  deacons,  actually  in  service  in  the 
High-German  Reformed  congregation  (or  congregations)  at  N.  N.,  have 
elected  by  majority  of  votes  our  brother,  N.,  to  appear  at  the  Reverend 

Coetus   of  this  year, ,    in   our   behalf.     Whatever   this   our   brother 

will  present,  and  together  with  our  regular  pastor.  Rev,  Mr. (in 

case  they  have  a  regular  pastor)  will  transact,  resolve  and  subscribe 
(except  what  is  contrary  to  our  Reformed  Church  and  doctrine),  shall 
have  full  value  and  force  among  us,  as  if  each  one  of  us  had  been  present 
himself,  presented  it,  transacted,  resolved  and  subscribed  to  it. 

In  confirmation  of  all  this,  we  set  our  own  signatures  hereunto,  as  we 
do  herewith. 

Done  in  our  assembly  at  N.  on — ,  Anno . 

John  Puilip  Boehm,  President. 
Michael  Schlatter,  V.  D.  M. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1748. 

(Hague  74,  i,  49.) 

Beverend  Christian  Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland  and  Eeverend 

Classis  of  Amsterdam,  Godly  Fathers  of  the  Church: 

To  the  Eeverend  Christian  Synods  and  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
your  most  humble  and  obedient  servant  begs  leave  to  send  the  second 
minutes  of  the  Coetus  of  our  Reformed  churches  in  Pennsylvania,  held 
on  September  28th,  1748,  in  accordance  with  the  unanimous  resolution 
of  the  Coetus,  in  its  eleventh  Article,  in  printed  form. 

The  Eeverend  Christian  Synods  and  Eeverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam 
will  thereby  see,  it  is  hoped,  that  we  desired  nothing  else  but  to  keep  our 
still  weak  but  true  Church  in  this  country  in  the  pure  doctrine,  to  govern 
it  in  peace  and  harmony,  so  that  by  its  extension  the  name  of  God  might 
be  glorified  and  the  kingdom  of  Jesus,  our  dearest  and  perfect  Saviour, 
be  enlarged. 

But  as  to  Do.  Eieger's  apology  in  Art.  III.,  regarding  that  which  I 
consider  the  chief  and  most  necessary  thing,  in  which  special  caution  is 
required  in  this  wretched  country  so  full  of  sects,  we  submit  the  same 
to  the  godly  and  careful  judgment  of  the  Eeverend  Christian  Synods 
and  Eeverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  awaiting  your  kind  reply  and  in- 
struction. 

As  regards  the  signing  of  the  minutes  of  the  Eev.  Coetus  by  his  Eev- 
erence  as  secretary,  this  was  impossible,  as  his  residence  is  so  far  away 
from  mine;  he  resides  at  Conestoga.  Moreover,  I  thought  that,  as  he 
excused  himself  from  acknowledging  and  subscribing  to  the  above- 
mentioned  main  point,  he  would  also  hesitate  to  sign  the  entire  minutes 
in  which  this  point  is  incorporated,  because  he  would  thereby  contradict 
himself,  and  hence  it  was  omitted. 

In  the  meantime  the  Eeverend  Christian  Synods  and  Eeverend  Classis 
of  Amsterdam  may  regard  the  minutes  as  entirely  credible  and  sufficient, 
inasmuch  as  all  the  other  Eev.  brethren  and  ministers  who  were  present 
signed  it  with  their  own  hands,  as  did  also  the  elders  whom  they  had 
with  them  and  who  are  named  in  the  minutes,  not  one  of  them  having 
raised  the  least  objection.  I  am  ready  to  send  in,  on  demand,  the  orig- 
inal, which  is  kept  here. 

Do.  Schlatter  has  meanwhile  gone  to  Lancaster,  and  preached  there 
November  13th,  and  I  for  him  in  Philadelphia,  where  I  stayed  until  the 
16th,  on  account  of  the  printing  [of  the  minutes]. 

When  Do.  Schlatter  came  home  on  the  15th,  he  said  he  was  commissioned 
to  sign  Do.  Eieger  's  name  as  secretary,  but  it  was  too  late,  as  the  printer 
had  completed  his  work. 

Regarding  Do.  Weiss,  neither  he  himself  nor  anv  of  the  elders  of  his 

(47) 


48  COETUS  OF  PENNSTLVAMA. 

three   congregations,    viz.,    Old   and   New   Goshenhoppen   and   the   Great 
Swamp,  appeared.     I  do  not  know  what  was  the  reason. 

As  to  the  case  of  Mr.  Lischy,  mentioned  in  Art.  IV.,  he  has  reserved 
to  himself  the  right  to  send  his  confession  of  faith  to  Do.  Schlatter. 
As  for  my  part,  I  have  good  hope  that  he  will  be  in  the  future  a  faithful 
laborer  in  our  true  church.  May  God,  the  only  searcher  of  hearts,  give 
him  his  blessing. 

The  heart-rending  and  most  deplorable  case  of  Do.  Hochreutner,  our 
dearly  beloved  and  esteemed  brother,  I  shall  not  touch  upon  here,  because 
Do.  Schlatter  will  describe  it  in  detail,  he  being  better  able  than  I  to 
describe  it,  having  full  knowledge  of  it.  I  content  myself  with  saying 
that  he  lost  his  life  by  an  unfortunate  gun-shot  in  Do.  Schlatter's  house 
in  Philadelphia.  It  was  assuredly  a  hard  blow  for  our  Reformed  Church 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  a  still  greater  trial  for  the  old  and  the  young  mem- 
bers of  the  body  of  Jesus  in  our  true  church.  The  ways  of  God  are 
wonderful  and  always  holy. 

This  is  what  I  was  ordered  to  send  to  the  Eeverend  Synods  and  the 
Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  I  have  done  it  according  to  my  duty 
and  the  best  of  my  ability. 

Imploring  our  omnipotent,  faithful  God  and  heavenly  Father  upon 
my  knees  to  preserve  with  his  grace  and  blessing  his  true  church  in  this 
dangerous  land  against  all  wicked  and  false  laborers,  to  support  it  by 
his  omnipotence,  and  graciously  to  keep  it  by  his  providence,  which  is 
inscrutable,  that  it  may  be  increased  to  the  honor  of  his  name.     Amen. 

To  the  same  God  who  helps  all  those  who  trust  in  him  and  to  the  word 
of  his  grace,  your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant  in  Jesus  Christ 
commends  the  R^v.  Christian  Synods  and  the  Reverend  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam, as  our  godly  Church  Fathers,  your  persons,  families  and  holy 
service.  With  heart  and  soul  I  wish  you  blessing,  life,  a.nd  the  eternal 
crown  for  your  great  toil  and  the  Christian  care  and  solicitude  which 
you  show  for  our  still  feeble  and  dependent  but  true  Reformed  Church 
and  all  its  faithful  servants.  We  commend  ourselves,  with  our  whole 
church  and  faithful  fellow-servants  (next  to  God,  who  is  all  in  all), 
to  the  Reverend  Christian  Synods  and  the  Reverend  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam for  their  continued  fatherly  and  Christian  affection,  care  and 
solicitude. 

Calling  myself  in  all  humility  the  most  humble  and  obedient  servant 
of  the  Reverend  Christian  Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland  and  the 
Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  John  Philip  Boehm, 

The  first  burden-bearer  in  all  Pennsylvania,  now  merely  pastor  of  the 
newly-organized  and  still  small  congregation  of  Witpen,  in  Philadel- 
phia county,  Pro  tem  Coetus  Praeses. 
Witpen  Township,  in  Philadelphia  County,  November  Slst,  1748. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  1748. 
(Hague  74,  ii.  6,  pp.  1-5.*) 

The  following  are  our  church  ordinances,  heretofore  drawn  up,  now 
improved,  with  obedient  submission  to  the  Very  Eeverend  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  namely: 

1.  That  the  consistories  which  are  now  in  service  in  the  three  congre- 
gations at  Falkner  Swamp,  Skippack  and  Whitemarsh  shall  be  recog- 
nized and  remain  in  office  for  their  appointed  term,  when  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation  (as  has  been  done  heretofore),  together  with 
the  minister  and  consistories,  shall  elect  new  members  of  the  consistory. 

But,  at  the  same  meeting,  all  members  of  the  congregations  shall 
transfer,  each  to  his  own  consistory,  all  power  and  right  hereafter  from 
year  to  year  to  elect  of&cers  by  a  majority  vote  of  the  consistories  them- 
selves) because  with  the  growth  and  spread  of  the  congregations  it  is 
not  feasible  to  bring  together  all  the  members  just  for  this  purpose. 

The  persons  elected  to  the  consistory  shall  be  announced,  each  in  his 
own  congregation,  three  Sundays,  to  ascertain  whether  any  one  has  any 
lawful  objection  to  offer,  and  if  not  they  shall,  after  the  third  announce- 
ment, be  installed  in  office. 

And  should  it  happen,  which  we  do  not  expect  of  any  one,  that  one 
or  more  of  the  members  of  the  consistory  should  give  offence  by  his 
conduct  in  any  way  whatsoever,  or  seek  to  create  strife  and  division  in 
the  congregation,  he  shall  be  promptly  admonished  by  the  remaining 
members  of  the  consistory  to  discontinue  such  conduct,  and  should  any 
one  not  heed  the  admonition  he  shall  then  be  removed  from  office  and 
another  member  from  among  the  number  last  in  service  shall  be  elected 
by  the  minister  and  remaining  members  of  the  consistory  and  be  regu- 
larly installed ;  then  he  shall  serve  as  if  he  had  been  continuously  in  office. 

2.  Should  one  who  has  retired  from  the  office  of  elder  or  deacon  be 
free  two  years  he  may  thereafter  be  re-elected,  or  even  sooner,  should 
this  be  considered  necessary  by  the  consistory  then  in  office. 

3.  The  elders,  deacons  and  members  of  the  three  above-mentioned  con- 
gregations have  recognized  Do.  John  Philip  Boehm  as  their  regular 
minister,  and  desire  that  with  the  grace  of  God  he  may  yet  long  continue 
in  faithful  service,  according  to  the  doctrine  of  the  Reformed  churches, 
as  he  has  done  hitherto. 

N.  B.  Here  it  is  to  be  observed  that  instead  of  the  name  of  John 
Philip  Boehm,  who  was  the  first  minister  of  these  three  Reformed  con- 

*  A  MS.  copy  of  this  Constitution  made  by  Boehm  himself  and  dated 
March  18,  1744,  is  still  in  existence  at  The  Hague,  74,  I.  34.  It  agrees 
verbatim  with  the  one  here  printed. 

(49) 


50  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

gregations  in  Pennsylvania,  the  name  of  the  minister  actually  in  these 
congregations  shall  be  clearly  announced. 

4.  The  minister,  elders  and  deacons,  and  the  entire  congregation,  shall 
obsen'e,  both  on  the  Lord's  day  and  on  other  days,  the  time  when  and 
the  place  where  divine  service  is  appointed ;  yet  they  may  change  the  same 
at  pleasure. 

5.  The  Sacrament  of  Baptism  shall  at  all  times  be  administered  without 
a  fee  after  divine  service.  Besides  the  parents,  witnesses  shall  be  pres- 
ent at  the  baptism,  and  this  well-established  custom  shall  not  be  lightly 
changed.  As  witnesses  at  the  baptism  shall  be  chosen  persons  who  have 
confessed  the  pure  doctrine  of  the  Gospel,  and  whose  lives  are  blameless. 

6.  The  Holy  Supper  shall  be  administered  twice  a  year  in  every  con- 
gregation in  which  divine  worship  is  maintained.  No  one  shall  be  ad- 
mitted thereto  unless  upon  confession  before  the  consistory  and  evidence 
of  a  godly  life,  or  proper  testimonials  from  another  Reformed  congrega- 
tion, in  accordance  vrith  the  Church-Order  of  the  Synod  of  Dort  of  1618 
and  1619. 

All  the  members  shall  always  appear  at  the  preparatory  sermon,  and 
after  the  service  shall  come  forward.  In  case  they  become  careless  in 
this  matter  they  shall  be  spoken  to  by  the  consistory  as  may  be  found 
necessary. 

The  older  members  shall  faithfully  instruct  the  young  in  Reformed 
worship,  and  shall  see  to  it  that  they  give  faithful  attention  to  the  hear- 
ing of  the  Word  of  God,  both  in  preaching  and  in  catechetical  instruc- 
tion, so  that  the  youth  may  also  be  admitted  to  the  Holy  Communion. 

All  the  members  may  commune  in  each  of  the  three  congregations, 
and  to  this  there  shall  be  no  lawful  objection  so  long  as  they  have  the 
same  minister. 

7.  The  bread  and  the  wine  for  the  Holy  Communion  shall  always  be 
bought  and  provided  by  the  deacons  out  of  the  alms  that  have  been 
collected,  and  afterward  they  shall  give  a  faithful  account  of  the  same. 

8.  To  meet  this  and  other  necessities  of  the  church  the  alms  shall 
always  be  gathered  by  the  deacons  while  the  congregation  leaves  the 
church,  or  otherwise,  as  the  consistory  may  direct. 

9.  The  members  of  the  consistory,  whether  they  be  elders  or  deacons, 
to  whom  is  entrusted  the  church  treasury  or  other  property,  shall  annu- 
ally render  before  the  consistory  an  exact  account  of  their  stewardship. 
For  this  purpose  they  shall  keep  a  faithful  record  of  all  receipts  and 
expenditures,  and  when  found  correct  the  accounts  shall  be  signed  by  the 
minister  and  an  elder  in  behalf  of  all  as  approved. 

10.  Should  a  member  of  the  congregation,  male  or  female,  fall  into 
any  sin,  he  shall  be  placed  under  the  supervision  of  the  consistory  until 
he  promise  and  give  evidence  of  amendment  of  life. 

11.  It  shall  be  the  ofl&ce  and  duty  of  the  minister  to  preach  the  pure 
doctrine  of  the  Reformed  Church  according  to  the  Word  of  God,  and  to 
administer  the  holy  seals  of  the  Covenant  at  their  appointed  time  and 
place;  always  to  adhere  to  the  confession  of  faith  of  the  Reformed 
churches  and  to  the  Heidelberg  Catechism;  to  explain  the  same  regularly 


EECOBDS  OF  1748.  55^ 

and  consecutively;  to  hold  catechetical  instruction,  etc.  He  shall  give 
special  attention  to  church  discipline  and  correct  practice,  together  with 
those  who  have  the  oversight  of  the  congregation. 

He  shall  not  omit  to  hold  divine  service  at  the  appointed  times  and 
places  without  reasons  of  the  greatest  importance. 

He  shall  also  pray  in  the  public  congregation  for  our  beloved  King, 
the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  for  the  Government  of  this  country. 

12.  At  least  once  every  half  year  the  consistory  shall  hold  a  meeting, 
but  the  minister  shall  enter  in  a  book  all  church  matters. 

13.  Should  it  happen  that  he  be  inclined  to  remove,  either  being  called 
elsewhere  or  for  other  weighty  reasons,  he  shall  give  notice  as  soon  as 
possible  to  the  congregations,  so  that  they  may  not  be  left  embarrassed, 
but  may  in  time  secure  another  suitable  man. 

And,  further,  in  all  other  things  the  minister  shall  conduct  himself  as 
a  faithful  servant  of  Christ,  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep. 

The  minister,  together  with  the  elders  and  deacons,  shall  exercise 
careful  oversight  over  the  congregation;  they  shall  attend  to  the  time 
and  place  appointed  to  hold  consistory  meetings,  and  shall  not  absent 
themselves  without  weighty  reasons. 

They  shall  faithfully  administer,  according  to  their  best  ability,  every- 
thing embraced  in  this  discipline,  each  according  to  his  office,  and  if  any 
one  knows  of  any  scandal  concerning  another,  be  that  one  an  officer  or 
any  other  member,  he  shall  feel  conscientiously  bound  to  make  known 
the  same,  not  from  envy  or  hatred,  but  to  prevent  all  offense. 

The  accused  party  shall  not  be  allowed  to  ask  for  the  name  of  his 
accuser,  nor  shall  he  stubbornly  deny  the  sin  charged  against  him  nor 
obstinately  persist  in  the  same.  Those  who  thus  act  shall  not  be  regarded 
as  members  of  the  congregation  until  they  promise  and  show  amendment 
of  life. 

And  in  case  any  one  has  anything  to  say  against  the  doctrine  or  the 
life  of  the  minister,  or  of  any  other  member  of  the  consistory,  or  against 
any  member,  he  shall  abstain  from  all  disgraceful  and  slanderous  lan- 
guage, and  shall  not  avenge  himself,  but  shall  make  known  the  matter 
to  the  consistory  and  leave  it  in  its  hands. 

The  same  shall  then  be  bound  hereby  to  use  all  diligence  to  prevent 
scandal  as  much  as  possible. 

15.  The  ruling  elders  and  deacons  of  the  congregation  shall  at  all 
times  faithfully  see  to  it  that  in  the  most  friendly  way  it  be  brought  to 
the  attention  of  every  member  of  the  congregation,  and  every  one  else 
who  shows  a  disposition  to  manifest  his  love  in  this  way,  to  make  a  free- 
will offering  to  the  minister's  salary,  and  such  contributions  shall  be 
received  by  the  consistory  through  a  person  appointed  for  the  purpose 
at  the  time  most  convenient  to  make  the  payment,  and  shall  then  be  paid 
by  this  person  at  the  appointed  time  to  the  minister  on  his  fixed  salary. 

16.  This  Church-Order,  which  was  sent  by  us  with  obedient  submission 
to  the  Very  Eeverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam  in  the  month  of  July,  1728, 
and  which  was  approved  by  this  very  reverend  assembly,  is  hereby  en- 
larged and  established.     So  also  what  was  added  by  the  very  reverend 


52  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

ministers,  Dos.  Gualther  Du  Bois  and  Henry  Boel,  of  New  York, 
and  Vincent  Antonides,  of  Long  Island,  appointed  for  this  purpose 
by  the  Very  Eeverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  concurred  in  by  the 
three  delegated  elders  of  the  three  congregations  at  Falkner  Swamp, 
Skippack  and  Whitemarsh  under  the  date  of  November  18,  1729,  shall 
be  kept  inviolate  according  to  our  best  ability,  in  order  that  we  may  hold 
steadfastly  to  the  Heidelberg  Catechism,  all  the  formulas  of  unity  and 
the  Synod  of  Dort,  and  neither  we  nor  our  descendants  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  add  anything  thereto,  to  take  anything  therefrom,  or  to  act 
contrary  thereto,  nor  to  receive  or  to  acknowledge  any  one  as  their  reg- 
ular minister  before  such  a  one,  as  well  as  everything  else,  be  submitted 
by  the  consistory  of  the  congregations  to  the  Very  Reverend  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  or  to  their  delegates  and  approved  by  the  same,  and  at  all 
times  the  answer  received  shall  be  final. 

The  preceding  Church-Order  of  our  three  congregations  mentioned 
above  shall  be  read  publicly  each  year  to  the  whole  congregation  at  the 
time  of  the  installation  of  new  elders  and  deacons,  and  that  they  may 
adhere  to  it  more  firmly  the  new  elders  and  deacons,  before  they  arc 
installed,  shall  each  year  subscribe  to  it  in  their  own  hand-writing,  and 
shall  then  be  properly  installed  in  oflaee  in  the  presence  of  the  congre- 
gation.    As  we  hereby  do.  N.  N. 


EXTRACTS  REFERRING  TO  THE  COETUS  HELD  IN 
PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER  20-24,  1749.* 

FIRST  EXTRACT  FROM   SCHLATTER'S  ^^WAHRHAFTE  ERZEHLUNG/' 
FRANKFURT,   1752,   PP.    63   AND   64.** 

As  our  annual  Coetus  was  to  be  held  this  year  in  Lancaster,  I  went 
thither  on  the  25th  of  the  harvest  month  [September].  After  the 
Eeverend  Assembly  had  been  opened  on  the  27th  with  a  well  arranged 
and  edifying  sermon  by  Do.  Leydich,  the  Eeverend  Brotherhood 
learned  with  much  joy  that  Mr.  Steiner,  sent  hither  by  the  Eeverend 
Deputies  of  the  Synod  as  minister,  had  arrived  in  good  health,  on  the 
25th,  in  Philadelphia.  We  resolved,  for  this  reason,  for  the  present 
to  discontinue  our  deliberations,  because  we  did  not  know  what  kind  of 
orders  his  Eeverence  had  brought  from  Holland.  We,  however,  ap- 
pointed our  next  meeting  to  be  held  on  the  20th  of  the  wine  month 
[October]  in  my  house  in  Philadelphia. 

On  the  20th  of  the  wine  month  [October]  Do.  Eieger  opened  our 
assembly,  again  convened,  with  an  excellent,  instructive  sermon.  Do. 
Bartholomaeus  sent  word  by  the  elders  of  his  congregation,  that,  on 
account  of  indisposition,  he  could  not  be  present,  and  asked  therefore 
to  be  excused  by  this  assembly.  Also  Do.  Steiner,  at  this  time,  was 
confined  to  bed  by  sickness,  but  through  an  elder  of  my  congre- 
gation here,  transmitted  his  papers  and  testimonials.  This  Synod  con- 
sisted of  five  ministers,  besides  the  two  Dutch  students  mentioned 
above,  and  sixteen  elders,  all  of  whom  were  provided  with  proper 
credentials  or  testimonials.  This  meeting  ended  on  the  24th  with 
hearty  thanksgiving  to  God  for  the  brotherly  love  and  unity  of  senti- 
ment which  had  prevailed  in  it,  and  each  one  returned  well  pleased  to 
his  field  of  labor.  That  which  was  brought  before  this  Synod  and 
was  acted  upon  may  be  more  fully  seen  in  the  minutes. 

*  The  minutes  of  1749,  1750  and  1751  are  lost.  In  their  place  some 
extracts  are  offered,  taken  from  various  sources. 

*  *  Compare  also  the  edition  of  the  Eev.  Dr.  H.  Harbaugh,  Phila- 
delphia, 1857,  pp.  191,  f.     . 

(53) 


(SECOND  EXTRACT.) 

RESOLUTION    AUTHORIZING    DO.    SCHLATTER    TO 
WRITE  AND  SEND  THE  MINUTES. 

(Hague  74,  i.  54.) 
Reverend,   Well  Learned,  Godly  and  Much  Esteemed  Sirs, 
Deputies  of  the  Eeverend  and  Christian  Synods  of  South 
and  North  Holland: 

We  here^vith  request  the  Reverend  Sir  and  Beloved  Fellow- 
brother,  Domine  Schlatter,  pastor  in  Philadelphia  and  Ger- 
mantown,  that  his  Reverence  may  be  pleased  to  have  the  kind- 
ness also  to  take  this  trouble,  besides  his  other  duties,  to 
record  faithfully  the  Minutes  of  our  Rev.  Coetus,  together 
with  all  that  concerns  the  congregations  of  our  brethren  in 
the  faith,  including  their  condition  and  whatever  may  serve 
for  their  upbuilding,  improvement  and  welfare.  He  is  to 
transmit  the  same  to  the  Reverend  Deputies  of  the  Christian 
Synods  for  their  Christian  deliberation,  after  the  signature 
of  our  president.  Do.  Rieger,  or  of  his  Reverence  Do.  J.  Con- 
rad Steiner  has  been  duly  affixed. 

Done  in  our  Coetal  Assembly,  October  23,  1749,  and  at- 
tested by  our  own  signatures. 

John  Bartholomew  Rieger,  Pres.  pro  tem. 
George  Michael  Weiss,  Sec.  p.  t. 
John  Philip  Leydich,  V.  D.  M. 
(54) 


(THIRD  EXTRACT.) 

DECISION  OF  THE  COETUS,  IN  FAVOR  OF  DO.  M. 

SCHLATTER,  AGAINST  THE  OLD  CONSISTORY 

IN  PHILADELPHIA. 

(Hague  74,  n.  10.) 

The  resolution  of  the  Rev.  Coetus  concerning  the  articles 
of  complaint  against  Do.  Schlatter,  which  articles  the  elders, 
against  their  promise,  took  away,  so  that  Do.  Schlatter 
neither  through  verbal  nor  written  representations  could 
obtain  possession  of  them  before  the  20th  of  Februray,  1749-50. 

Philadelphia,  October  22,  1749. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  resolution,  unanimously  and 
deliberately  taken  by  the  Reverend  Coetus,  concerning  the 
quarrels  and  dissensions  existing  between  Do.  Schlatter  on 
the  one  hand  and  the  elders  of  this  congregation  on  the  other 
hand,  shall  be  read  to  the  Christian  congregation  [in  Phila- 
delphia] . 

It  reads  verbatim  as  follows: 

The  aforesaid  Coetus  having  been  legally  constituted  by 
the  Rev.  Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland,  and  by  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  the  congregations  in  these  regions  must 
submit  to  the  same  with  dutiful  reverence.  In  the  presence 
of  God  and  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  we  have  carefully  looked 
into  and  weighed  every  misunderstanding,  and  particularly 
every  complaint  laid  by  the  elders  to  the  charge  of  Do. 
Schlatter,  who,  for  the  sake  of  peace  and  love,  has  come  to 
the  conclusion  to  leave  everything,  without  any  exception  or 
reserve,  to  the  decision  of  the  Rev.  Coetus,  and  to  be  satisfied 
therewith. 

Now  it  appears  that  these  complaints  and  charges  in 
their  nature  include  nothing  that  is  material,  much  less 
anything  that  could  show  the  aforesaid  Domine  *  Schlatter 
unworthy  to  continue  in  his  office,  or  compel  us  to  depose 
him    therefrom;    on    the    contrary,    since    the    Rev.    Coetus 

*  Domine  is  the  usual  Dutch  term  for  ministers.  We  use  the  ab- 
breviation Do.  for  the  singular  and  Dos.  for  the  plural. 

(  55  ) 


56  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

finds  that  these  complaints  are  mixed  with  much  secret 
bitterness,  spite  and  envy,  they  indeed  deserve  special 
censure.  But  in  order  that  the  Rev.  Coetus  may  indi- 
cate how  much  they  have  at  heart  the  great  law  of  love 
proclaimed  by  our  common  and  glorified  Master,  Jesus  Christ, 
it  is  the  desire  of  the  Rev.  Coetus  that  all  the  differences 
and  their  consequences,  both  on  the  part  of  Do.  Schlatter 
and  on  the  part  of  the  worthy  elders,  may  be  laid  aside 
and  buried  in  eternal  oblivion.  And  that  as  a  result  Do. 
Schlatter  be  again  accepted  with  affection,  as  before,  so 
that  the  evil  results  wdiich  might  proceed  from  a  contrary 
course  of  action,  not  only  in  this  but  in  all  the  other  congre- 
gations of  this  our  land,  mav  be  avoided,  the  glory  of  God 
and  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  may  be  preserved, 
and  the  salvation  of  immortal  souls  may  be  promoted. 

But  if,  on  the  contrary,  this  our  fraternal  counsel,  well 
considered  and  taken  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  should  not  be 
approved  or  accepted  by  the  elders,  then  the  Rev.  Coetus, 
according  to  the  rule  of  God's  AA^ord,  and  the  principles  of 
our  Reformed  religion  conforming  to  God's  Word,  cannot 
recognize  them  as  true  and  sincere  members  of  the  church. 
And  we  will  be  compelled  to  regard  them,  in  accordance 
with  the  command  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  disturbers  of  the 
peace  of  God,  who  are  threatened  with  the  wrath  and  rejec- 
tion of  God,  which  wdll  rest  upon  them  by  reason  of  the 
evil  that  they  bring  upon  themselves,  their  own  souls  and  the 
souls  of  others,  until  they  sincerely  recognize  and  acknowl- 
edge their  wrong,  and  repent  and  pray  God  for  grace  and  par- 
don, who  has  promised  in  his  Word  that  all  that  the  church 
shall  bind  in  the  name  of  Jesus  upon  earth  shall  be  bound 
in  heaven,  and  what  on  earth  she  shall  loose  shall  be  loosed 
in  heaven. 

May  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  Jesus  Christ,  grant 
that  this  church  and  other  churches  may  not  be  divided  and 
i-uined  by  offences  that  may  arise,  and  may  he  so  join  the 
hearts  of  the  pastors  to  the  hearers  and  those  of  the  hearers 
to  their  pastors,  that  all  schism  and  offences  may  be  pre- 
vented, peace  and  unity  be  preserved,  and  the  kingdom  of 
Christ  thereby  be  promoted  and  increased. 

To  which  the  entire  Coetus,  in  the  name  of  the  Triune 


EECORDS  OF  1749.  57 

God,  saith  Amen,  and  in  confirmation  of  the  same  subscribe 
their  signatures. 

John  Bartholomew  Rieger^  Pres.  pro  tern. 
George  Michael  Weiss,  Sec.  p.  t. 
John  Philip  Leydich,  V.  D.  M. 
John  Conrad  Steiner,  Y.  D.  M. 
Philadelphia,  October  21,  1749. 

Publicly  read  in  the  church  in  the  presence  of  a  large 
congregation. 

(FOURTH  EXTRACT.) 

RESOLUTION  WITH  REGARD  TO  REV.  MR.  STEINER 
AND  THE  LANCASTER  CONGREGATION. 

(Hague  74,  i.  51  (22),  also  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  13.) 
4.  The  congregation  of  Lancaster  made  known  its  request 
and  petition  to  the  Coetus,  intimating  its  desire  to  have 
our  esteemed  fellow-brother,  Conrad  Steiner,  for  its  regular 
minister.  After  mature  deliberation  it  was  deemed  necessary, 
since  his  Reverence,  Mr.  Conrad  Steiner,  was  very  sick  and 
unable  to  attend  the  Coetus,  to  delegate  two  of  our  brethren 
to  ask  him  for  his  opinion  in  this  case,  and  whether  he 
had  sufficient  confidence  in  the  Coetus  to  be  satisfied  with 
what  Coetus  might  decide  in  regard  to  his  welfare.  In  order 
to  accomplish  this,  Do.  Weiss  and  Do.  Ph.  Leydich  went 
immediately  to  him  in  the  afternoon  and  acquainted  him 
with  the  sentiment  of  the  Rev.  Coetus.  His  Reverence  was 
heartily  pleased  with  it,  and  in  a  Christian  and  brotherly 
way  affirmed  and  immediately  expressed  his  willingness  to 
be  satisfied  with  and  to  approve  of  everything  which  the 
Rev.  Coetus  might  resolve  with  regard  to  him. 

Whereupon,  after  mature  deliberation  and  for  good  rea- 
sons, it  was  resolved  that  it  w^ould  be  much  more  convenient 
and  useful  for  his  Reverence  and  his  family  if  he  were  to 
serve,  together  with  Lancaster,  the  vacant  and  forsaken  con- 
gregations in  Muddy  Creek,  Earltown  and  Weisseichenland 
(White  Oaks),  and  this  all  the  more  since  Lancaster  could 
be  served  from  time  to  time  by  Do.  Rieger,  p.  t.  president 
of  the  Coetus,  who  lives  at  Lancaster.  The  latter  has  made 
the  cordial  offer  to  the  congregation  that  if  they  could  and 


58  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

would  forget  and  forgive  the  old  things  which  have  happened 
here  and  there,  he  would  be  willing  and  inclined  to  work 
among  them  with  the  talents  entrusted  to  him  by  God.  and 
this  all  the  more  since  he  considered  himself  in  duty  bound 
before  God  to  serve  our  Church  with  all  his  powers,  so  that 
on  the  judgment  day  he  might  appear  before  his  Lord  and 
Master  Jesus  Christ  not  empty  and  bare,  but  full  of  joy. 

Since  Do.  Steiner  has  made  known  that  for  some  reasons 
he  would  rather  live  in  the  country  than  in  the  city,  the  Rev. 
Coetus  has  resolved,  because  there  is  a  comfortable  parsonage 
at  Muddy  Creek,  which  is  eighteen  English  miles  from  Lan- 
caster, and  the  aforesaid  congregations  are  not  far  from  it,  to 
assign  this  as  his  dwelling  house,  so  that  he  may  preach  one 
Sunday  at  Muddy  Creek,  the  next  at  Earltown,  the  third  at 
AA^hite  Oaks,  and  the  fourth  at  Lancaster. 

The  worthy  elders  of  the  congregation  in  Lancaster,  Paul 
AVeitzel  and  Caspar  Schaffner,  did  not  accept  the  above 
resolution  of  the  Rev.  Coetus,  but  most  strenuously  protested 
against  it,  maintaining  that  they  once  for  all  would  adhere, 
according  to  the  wish  of  the  whole  congregation,  to  the  call 
given  to  Do.  Steiner  by  Do.  Schlatter,  and  to  the  lengthy 
letter  sent  to  them  by  the  aforesaid  Do.  Schlatter. 

By  order  of  the  Rev.  Coetus  and  in  its  name  this  is  hereby 
attested  and  affirmed  in  behalf  of  said  deputies  (elders). 

George  Michael  AVeiss,  Sec.  p.  t. 

Philadelphia,  October  23,  1749. 

(FIFTH  EXTRACT.) 

RESOLUTION   OP   COETUS  AVITII  REGARD   TO   THE 

REIFF  ACCOUNTS,  EXONERATLNG  REV.  MR. 

SCHLATTER. 

(Saur's  Paper,  Nov.  16,  1749,  also  Dec.  1,  1749.) 
''Since,  for  some  time  past,  I  have  been  very  much  annoyed 
by  painful  and  unproven  charges  in  regard  to  the  money 
which,  some  eighteen  years  ago,  was  sent,  through  Mr.  Jacob 
Reiff,  by  the  Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland,  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Reformed  people  in  Pennsylvania,  I  have 
thought  it  necessary,  in  order  to  establish  my  innocence  and 
contradict  such  slanders,  to  publish  the  present  extract  in 


BECOEDS  OF  1749.  59 

the  public  papers.  It  is  an  extract  taken  from  a  testimonial 
which  my  reverend  and  beloved  brethren  in  the  ministry 
gave  me  at  their  last  meeting  after  they  had  investigated  this 
matter,  and  it  runs  as  follows  : 

''After  previous  careful  examination  of  the  matter,  and 
agreeably  to  the  witness  of  our  conscience,  we  give  to  our 
brother.  Do.  Schlatter,  this  testimonial,  that  publicly  and  to 
all  men  may  be  known  as  follows : 

"Mr.  Schlatter,  pastor  in  Philadelphia  and  Germantown, 
in  the  matter  of  the  money  collected  in  Holland  by  Jacob 
Reiff,  by  receiving  100  Spanish  pistoles,*  has  done  nothing 
else  than  his  duty,  and  has  acted  in  accordance  with  the 
express  instructions  sent  over  to  him  during  the  past  year 
by  letter  from  the  Reverend  Synod  of  South  Holland  in 
regard  to  this  money,  which  instructions  he  has  conscien- 
tiously and  faithfully  followed,  even  though,  previous  to 
the  reception  of  these  orders  from  Holland,  out  of  love  to 
his  congregation,  Mr.  Schlatter  had  already  given  to  the 
respected  elders  of  his  congregation  nearly  one-half  of  it, 
which  action,  however,  he  hopes  to  vindicate  before  the  proper 
authorities.  This  we  have  seen  clearly  and  distinctly  from 
the  account  willingly  submitted  to  us.  In  testimony  whereof 
this  has  been  signed  and  confirmed  by  the  signature  of  our 
own  names. 

"John  Barth.  Rieger^  Pres.  p.  t. 

' '  George  Michael  Weiss^  Sec.  p.  t. 

"John  Philip  Leydich,  in  Falkner  Swamp. 

"Michael  Schlatter,  Pastor  in  Philadelphia.'' 
Philadelphia,  October  24th,  1749.** 

*  A  Spanish  pistole  is  according  to  the  Standard  Dictionary  $3.92. 

**  The  following  references  to  the  Minutes  of  1749  are  found  in 
Eupp  's  History  of  Berks  and  Lebanon  Counties.  Are  these  minutes  still 
in  existence?     P.  444. 

''Messrs.  Conrad  Tempelman,  at  Swatara,  and  J.  G.  Wirtz,  of  Sacony, 
were  on  probation,  as  appears  from  the  minutes  of  the  Coetus  held  at 
Lancaster,  October  20th,  1749. 
P.  448. 

It  appears  that  besides  at  the  Tulpehocken  church  there  was  none 
ministering  in  spiritual  things  within  the  present  limits  of  Lebanon 
county  prior  to  1748  except  Mr.  Conrad  Tempelman,  who  it  seems  from 
the  minutes  held  at  Lancaster,  October,  1749,  had,  though  he  was  not 
regularly  ordained,  preached  at  Swatara. ' ' 


EXTRACTS     FROM     SCHLATTER'S     "WAHRIIAFTE 

ERZEHLUNG,"  FRANKFURT,  1752,  REFERRING 

TO   THE   COETUS   MEETINGS   OF   1750. 

p.  66.  On  the  16th  [of  November]  our  Christian  Synod  was  opened 
[in  Philadelphia]  in  the  usual  way.  I  am  prepared  to  make  a  state- 
ment to  the  Christian  Synods,  as  far  as  it  is  necessary,  of  what  was 
transacted  in  this  assembly. 

On  the  13th  of  the  Christmas  month  [December]  a  special  Synod 
was  held  in  Philadelphia,  in  which  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  that 
inasmuch  as  many  of  our  letters  which  we  had  sent  over  had  been 
lost,  and  we  were  being  embarrassed  more  and  more,  I  should  be  sent 
over  to  lay  before  the  Christian  Synods  oral  and  written  reports  con- 
cerning the  condition  of  the  Pennsylvania  churches,  and  humbly  and 
impressively  implore  effectual  help  and  support.  Three  of  our  min- 
isterial brethren  engaged  each  to  take  his  turn  in  attending  to  my 
duties  in  Philadelphia,  during  my  absence,  to  the  best  of  their  ability, 
without  respect  to  the  trouble  of  travelling  so  great  a  distance.* 

LETTER   OF   COETUS   TO   THE    CONGREGATION   IN 
LANCASTER,  DECEMBER  13,  1750. 

(Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  16.) 
To  THE  Christian  and  Reformed  Congregation  and  their  Worthy 

Deacons  and  Elders  in  Lancaster: 
Much  Esteemed  Members  and  Elders  of  the  Honorable  Congregation  in 

Lancaster: 

The  sad  circumstances  of  the  congregations  in  Philadelphia  and  in 
other  places  in  Pennsylvania  have  compelled  us,  as  ministers  being  sub- 
ordinate to  church  order  and  determined  to  uphold  the  same,  to  hold 
again  a  meeting  or  Coetal  assembly  in  Philadelphia  at  the  time  specified 
below.  This  meeting  was  held  for  the  purpose  of  finding  ways  and  means 
how  this  confusion  could  be  checked.  We  discovered  no  more  useful 
means  than  to  commission  his  Reverence,  Do.  Schlatter,  to  travel  to  Hol- 
land as  soon  as  possible  in  order  to  make  the  necessary  representations 
to  the  Rev.  Synods,  as  our  dear  Church  Fathers,  and  to  find  out  whether 
we  can  obtain  help  and  counsel  from  them  with  regard  to  the  confused 
condition  in  this  country.  We  doubt  not  that  with  God's  assistance  we 
shall  secure  this  help. 

We,  the  assembled  ministers,  make  known  to  the  worthy  consistory 
and  members  of  your  congregation  this  resolution  of  our  Coetus  to  the 

*  See  also  the  edition  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Henry  Harbaugh,  in  his  Life 
of  Rev.  M.  Schlatter,  Philadelphia,  1857,  p.  195  f. 

(60) 


RECORDS  OF  1750.  Q\ 

end  that,  if  you  wish  to  share  in  the  benefits  of  this  journey,  you  will 
obligate  yourselves  to  dismiss  your  present  pastor,  Mr.  Fock,*  as  soon  as 
the  term  of  his  engagement,  being  one  year,  comes  to  an  end,  he  having 
been  admitted  to  the  service  of  the  ministry  only  for  the  time  being,  and 
being  everywhere  in  evil  repute  because  of  his  conduct.  As  a  proof 
that  you  accept  this  our  salutary  demand,  you  will  immediately  send 
a  call  to  his  Keverence,  Do.  Schlatter,  that  you  may  be  taken  care 
of.  Meanwhile  the  brethren,  Dos.  Leydich,  Weiss  and  Lischy,  have  been 
commissioned  by  our  Coetal  assembly,  after  the  dismissal  of  Mr.  Fock, 
to  conduct  church  services  among  you  whenever  they  can  find  an  oppor- 
tunity of  getting  away  from  their  congregations.  It  will  be  your  duty 
to  send  them  the  necessary  invitations  in  advance. 

We  trust  that  you  will  willingly  accept  this  our  request.  Imploring 
all  true  peace  and  blessing  upon  you  we  remain,  honored  congregation 
and  consistory,  your  devoted  brethren  in  Christ, 

John  Philip  Leydich,  V.  D.  M.,  Sec. 

Michael  Schlatter,  V.  D.  M.,  Philadelphia. 

Jacob  Lischy,  Eeformed  Pastor  across  the  Susquehanna. 

Done  in  our  Coetal  assembly,  Philadelphia,  December  13,  1750. 

*  The  spelling  of  this  name  varies.  He  himself  writes  Vock  in  a 
postscript  to  a  letter  of  Schlatter,  addressed  to  the  Lancaster  congrega- 
tion, dated  January  18,  1750,  see  Harbaugh  MSS.  No.  14. 


EXTRACTS  REFERRING  TO  THE  COETUS  HELD  ON 
SEPTEMBER  12,  1751. 

(Acts  of  Syn.  Deputies,  Vol.  X.,  p.  592.) 

Art.  III. 

There  was  handed  to  the  Deputies  by  Do.  Kulenkamp  a  High  German 
letter,  written  by  Do.  Leidig  and  Lischy,  dated  September  26,  1751,  in 
answer  to  the  letter  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  dated  June  22, 
1751. 

In  this  letter  they  report: 

(1)  That  Do.  Steiner  tries  to  increase  the  number  of  his  adherents 
in  Philadelphia  from  the  new  arrivals,  and  uses  for  this  purpose  as  his 
assistant  a  student  from  Hanau  [Germany].  That  he  had  also  in- 
duced Dos.  Rieger  and  Weiss  to  give  up  their  preaching  for  Do.  Schlatter, 
under  the  pretense  that  each  one  had  to  care  for  his  own  congregations, 
and  that  no  help  could  be  expected  from  Holland.  For  this  reason  they 
were  not  present  at  the  Coetus,  held  on  September  12th,  although  they 
had  been  notified  that  a  letter  had  arrived  from  Holland,  being  un- 
willing,  (as  they  said)   to  be  under  the  Holland  yoke. 

(2)  That  Do.  Bartholomaeus,  as  impos  mentis  [weak  minded]  was  be- 
ing treated  in  the  hospital. 

(3)  That  the  great  lack  of  ministers  could  not  be  overcome  but  by 
Do.  Schlatter  bringing  over  some. 

(4)  That  no  peace  could  be  expected  in  Philadelphia,  unless  they  would 
call  a  neutral  man,  because  the  union  of  Steiner 's  and  Schlatter 's  parties 
would  be  necessary  to  raise  the  minister's  salary. 

(62) 


MINUTES   OF   SPECIAL   COETUS   HELD    IN   PHILA- 
DELPHIA, AUGUST  10-13,  1752. 

(Hague  74,  ii.  22.) 

Philadelphia,  August  13th,  1752. 
Very  Reverend,  Very  and  Well  Learned  Sirs,  Deputies  of 

Both  Synods,  etc. — Dear  Fathers  and  Benefactors: 

After  setting  sail  under  God 's  gracious  assistance  on  Pente- 
cost, being  May  17,  1752  (old  style),  from  New  Castle,  we  for- 
tunately ran  into  New  York  in  good  health  on  Tuesday,  August 
8th  (new  style),  and  the  Sunday  thereafter,  by  the  goodness 
of  God,  we  reached  Philadelphia,  where  I  lodged  my  brethren 
and  fellow-ministers,  partly  at  my  house,  partly  with  my 
relatives.  But  Do.  J.  Casper  Kubel,  even  as  on  the  journey 
he  was  self-willed,  chose  likewise  here  so  to  act  without  any 
change,  and  took  lodgings  at  an  inn,  where  he  found  an 
opportunity  to  meet  those  who  do  not  wish  to  subject  them- 
selves to  the  orders  of  the  Very  Reverend  and  Christian 
Synods.  When  I  came  to  the  city  I  found  Do.  AVeiss  there, 
who  in  his  turn,  to  my  great  satisfaction,  took  charge  of  the 
preaching  service  in  my  church. 

Regarding  the  Rev.  Brethren,  Leydich  and  Lischy,  they 
had  continued  preaching  here,  under  much  inconvenience 
and  even  reproach  from  the  wicked  and  stubborn  people, 
nevertheless  they  had  faithfully  done  their  duty  without 
missing  a  single  service. 

Do.  Steiner  had  a  quarrel  with  his  adherents  in  Phila- 
delphia more  than  six  months  before,  and  since  that  time  has 
not  preached  here,  but  resides  in  Germantown,  where,  as  is 
reported,  he  has  agreed  to  preach  and  conduct  school  for  three 
years;  however,  on  hearing  of  my  arrival  on  the  14th  last,  he 
preached  here  again  in  his  house  or  church. 

In  my  absence,  and  upon  learning  of  the  coming  of  more 
ministers.  Do.  Steiner 's  party  sought  to  influence  my  party, 
and  persuaded  ten  or  twelve  of  them  to  unite  with  them  to 
reject  me  after  my  arrival,  the  more  since  before  my  depart- 
ure from  Philadelphia  I  always  said  that  in  case  the  congre- 

(63) 


64  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

gation  had  no  love  for  me  or  confidence  in  me  I  would  never 
press  myself  upon  it.  Hence  I  asked  permission  of  your  Rev- 
erences to  remain  with  the  congregation  or  to  leave  it.  Thus 
these  few,  without  carefully  consulting  about  this  with  the 
congregation,  and  against  the  intention  and  will  of  the  same, 
have  entered  into  an  agreement  against  me,  and  have  resolved 
to  chose  one  of  the  new  ministers,  etc. 

Immediately  upon  my  arrival  in  Philadelphia  the  Rev. 
Brethren,  Leydich  and  Lischy,  requested  permission  to  come 
here.  This  was  very  gladly  granted  without  loss  of  time, 
because  Do.  Weiss  remained  in  town.  Thereafter,  on  Monday, 
the  10th,  we  began  the  first  joint  deliberations  with  the  most 
complete  love  and  unity,  and  continued  till  to-day.  First  I 
communicated  to  the  aforesaid  three  brethren  the  Synodical 
orders  and  instructions,  and  other  letters.  Furthermore  I 
respectfully  requested  them  to  give  me  some  information  of 
the  present  condition  of  the  several  congregations.  Having 
learned  this,  I  gave  them  my  ideas  ^vith  regard  to  the  placing 
of  the  six  ministers,  namely :  Do.  Otterbein  at  Lancaster,  Do. 
Stoy  at  Cocalico,  Do.  Waldschmidt  at  Philadelphia,  besides 
myself,  Do.  Rubel  at  Tulpehocken,  Do.  Wissler  at  Egypt, 
Heidelberg,  etc.,  and  Do.  Frankenfeld  at  jMonocacy.  This 
not  only  met  with  the  approval  of  the  Brethren,  but  was  also 
afterwards  agreed  to  by  the  new  ministers,  without  a  word 
of  opposition,  with  much  gladness,  excepting  Do.  Rubel. 
He,  after  coming  to  the  city,  had  deliberately  taken  the 
pains,  in  a  way  that  was  condemned  by  all  the  brethren, 
to  make  himself  great  and  acceptable  to  the  congregation, 
and  to  make  me  despised  and  hated  by  the  same.  Thus 
against  every  admonition  of  our  Coetus,  in  disregard  of  all 
ministers  and  friends,  he  allowed  himself  to  be  called  as  their 
minister,  in  the  most  malevolent  manner  and  in  spite  of  us 
all.  However,  he  has  been  accepted  by  but  a  portion  of  the 
congregation.  What  will  be  the  result  of  this  time  alone  will 
show.  We  are  all  of  the  opinion  that  God  has  permitted  this 
in  order  to  secure  a  blessed  result  for  our  remaining  congre- 
gations which  love  order,  etc.  Mich.  Schlatter. 

This  is  what  we  would  briefly  and  in  haste  report  to  your 
Reverences,  as  we  intend  to-day  to*leave  this  city  and,  God 
being  with  us,  go  to  our  congregations,  having  resolved  to  hold 


BECOBDS  OF  1752.  (55 

our  annual  Coetus  on  October  25th  in  Lancaster,  and  not  with 
the  perverse  people  of  this  place.  Then  we  shall  transmit  an 
exact  account,  and  under  God's  blessing,  as  we  do  now,  com- 
municate a  dutiful  and  unanimous  report. 

George  Michael  Weiss,  V.  D.  M.,     Michael  Schlatter, 
John  Philip  Leydich,  H.  W.  Stoy, 

Jacob  Lischy,  P.  W.  Otterbein, 

John  Waldschmidt,  J.  J.  Wissler, 

Theodore  Franckenfeld. 

MINUTES  OF  COETUS  HELD  IN  LANCASTER, 
OCTOBER  18-24,  1752. 

(Hague  74,  l  74.) 
Preliminaries 
of  the  Reformed  Coetus  in  Pennsylvania  of  October  18,  1752, 
drawn  up  to  our  advantage  and  best  interest. 

On  Wednesday  afternoon,  the  18th,  all  the  following-named 
ministers  assembled  in  harmony  in  the  school  house  at  Lan- 
caster to  take  counsel  together  and  choose  officers  of  the  Coe- 
tus. But  before  doing  anything  else  the  following  articles 
were  subscribed  by  us  all,  so  that  we  might  labor  in  proper 
unity  and  confidence : 

We,  Reformed  ministers  of  God's  Word,  of  the  American 
congregations  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  etc.,  have  resolved 
voluntarily  with  all  our  heart,  and  bound  each  other  mutually 
by  our  subscription  to  the  following  articles : 

1.  To  maintain,  with  God's  help,  our  religion  in  all  its 
order  on  the  foundation  of  the  Synod  of  Dort  held  in  the 
years  1618  and  1619. 

2.  To  be  subordinate  to  the  Reverend  Christian  Synods  of 
Holland  in  all  gratitude,  and  on  occasion  to  submit  ourselves 
to  their  fatherly  counsel  and  Christian  advice. 

3.  As  regards  our  persons,  office  and  congregations,  we 
will  allow  ourselves  to  be  guided  in  all  circumstances  which 
may  arise,  by  the  counsel,  advice  and  judgment  of  our  Coetus, 
and  submit  ourselves  thereunto  in  pursuance  of  the  com- 
mands of  the  Rev.  Synods. 

4.  We  pledge  ourselves  not  only  to  promote  the  prosperity 
and  Avell-being  of  the  Reformed  congregations  in  this  country 

5 


66  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

in  general  and  in  particular,  but  also  each  undersigned  brother 
pledges  himself  to  promote  the  other's  bodily  and  spiritual 
welfare,  honor  and  esteem  as  if  it  were  his  o^vn,  fraternally, 
faithfully,  conscientiously  and  with  all  earnestness,  in  order 
to  induce,  by  the  example  of  our  unity  and  heartfelt  love, 
those  who  look  up  to  us  to  imitate  us  and  to  lead  a  God- 
pleasing  life. 

To  observe  all  this  faithfully  each  one  pledges  himself  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  with  all  his  heart. 
Lancaster  October  18,  1752. 

G.  M.  Weiss,  of  Goshenhoppen, 
J.  B.  RiEGER,  of  Schaeffer's  church 
M.  Schlatter, 

J.  P.  Leydich,  of  Falkner  Swamp, 
J.  LiscHY,  of  York. 
J.  Waldschmidt,  of  Cocalico, 
H.  W.  Stoy,  of  Tulpehocken, 
P.  W.  Otterbein,  of  Lancaster, 
John  Jacob  Wissler,  of  Egypt, 
Theo.  Frankenfeld,  of  ]\Ionocacy, 
Jonathan  Du  Bois,  of  Northampton, 
Conrad  Tempelmann,  of  Swatara. 
N.  B.     The  last  two  signed  on  the  21st,  after  they  were 
ordained. 

After  this  Do.  Weiss,  as  the  oldest  minister,  inquired  of 
all  the  brethren,  one  after  the  other,  who  at  this  present 
session  of  Coetus  should  be  appointed  as  president,  assessor 
and  secretary.  As  a  result  Do.  Schlatter  was  unanimously 
elected  president.  Do.  Weiss  was  thereupon  chosen  assessor, 
and  Do.  Leydich  secretary. 

The  first  two  accepted  their  offices  readily,  but  Do.  Leydich 
desired  to  be  excused,  asserting  that  it  was  impossible  for 
him  to  sit  so  long,  whereupon  the  secretaryship  was  offered  to 
Do.  Stoy,  who  accepted  it  with  the  general  consent  of  the 
brethren. 

Up  to  this  time  affairs  went  well,  but  Do.  Rubel  who, 
much  against  our  will  and  permission,  heedless  of  all 
brotherly  admonition,  entered  into  the  school  house  by  force, 
made  an  uproar,  declaring  with  great  temper  and  insolence 
that  Do.  Schlatter  was  not  and  must  not  be  president,  since 


SE COEDS  OF  17 oe.  g7 

he  had  no  congregation  and  was  not  looked  upon  as  a  regular 
minister. 

This  ]\Ir.  Rubel,  in  Philadelphia  and  elsewhere,  has  acted 
hitherto  contrary  to  the  godly  intentions  and  instructions  of 
the  Christian  Synods,  contrary  to  our  Coetal  regulations, 
and  contrary  to  the  welfare  of  our  churches,  and  also  here 
did  all  in  his  power,  with  two  men  brought  from  Philadelphia, 
to  disturb  us  in  our  deliberations,  undertaken  in  the  fear  of 
the  Lord,  and  if  possible  to  scatter  our  Coetal  Assembly. 
He  almost  succeeded  in  his  pernicious  attempt,  after  one  or 
two  elders  sided  with  him,  and  especially  caused  Do.  Leydich 
so  much  trouble  that  his  Reverence,  to  avoid  great  confusion 
in  his  congregation,  was  compelled  to  leave  our  Coetus,  and 
thus  for  the  time  being,  to  prefer  the  quietness  of  his  congre- 
gation to  the  well-being  of  our  Coetus.  This  example  Do. 
"Weiss  was  compelled  to  follow  against  his  will,  by  reason  of 
the  causes  just  mentioned,  namely,  the  obstinacy  of  an  elder. 
Upon  Do.  Wissler  this  affair  had  so  much  influence,  although 
without  any  grounds,  unless  it  were  out  of  friendship  and 
s^Tupathy  with  Do.  Rubel,  that  he  also  left  the  Coetus,  without 
bidding  his  host  good-bye. 

In  spite  of  all  this  the  other  brethren  remained,  bound 
together  in  love,  and  on  Thursday,  October  19th.  at  the 
appointed  time,  our  Coetus  was  opened  by  the  Rev.  President 
with  a  sermon  on  Haggai  i.  14.  Thus  we  continued  on  the 
following  days  in  peace  and  contentment,  not  -without  God's 
assistance,  to  our  mutual  encouragement.  TTe  finally  closed 
on  Tuesday.  October  24,  with  a  thanksgiving  sermon  by 
Do.  Waldschmidt,  on  Heb.  xii.  14,  after  everything  had 
been  faithfully  recorded  which  had  been  investigated  by  us, 
decided  upon  and  resolved  to  the  best  interests  of  the  con- 
gregations. 

FIRST    SESSION. 

Thursday  Afternoon  (Sept.  19). 

1.  This  session,  as  the  following  sessions,  was  opened  and 
closed  ^^th  humble  and  fervent  prayer  by  the  Rev.  President. 

2.  The  Rev.  President  made  kno^vn  to  the  assembly,  consist- 
ing of  nearly  forty  persons,  the  instructions  and  letters  of 
the  Rev.  Christian  S\Tiods  of  South  and  North  Holland  and  of 


68  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

the  Rev.  Deputies  thereof,  handed  to  him  for  our  Coetus.  He 
also  read  at  the  same  time  the  minutes  of  the  Synod  of  South 
Holland  of  1751,  regarding  Pennsylvania,  and  also  some  pri- 
vate lettei-s  from  the  Rev.  Deputy  lloedemaker. 

Further,  the  Rev.  President  made  mention,  with  great  em- 
phasis and  a  thankful  heart,  of  the  peculiar  care,  godly  efforts 
and  exceptional  benevolence  of  the  Rev.  Christian  Synods  of 
South  and  North  Holland,  of  the  Christian  Synods  of  other 
provinces,  as  also  of  the  reverend  and  generous  Classis  and 
Consistory  of  Amsterdam,  Avith  which  the  very  reverend  bodies 
had  combinedly  favored  Pennsylvania  and,  particularly,  the 
six  newly  arrived  ministers  and  himself,  in  a  fatherly,  noble 
and  cordial  manner.  He  added  that  the  benefactors  men- 
tioned above  intended  henceforth  to  take  unreservedly  to 
heart  the  welfare  of  our  congregations,  and  even  to  interest 
the  Corpus  Evangelicum  in  Switzerland  and  the  liberally- 
inclined  people  in  Great  Britain  in  the  same  object,  pro- 
vided the  Pennsylvania  brethren  would  not,  by  improper 
conduct,  stand  in  their  own  light  (i.  e.,  obstruct  these  meas- 
ures), but  Avith  thankfulness  and  a  godly  conduct  show  a 
united  and  Christian  spirit. 

All  these  and  many  other  elucidations  and  remarks  were 
read  aloud  and  made  known,  not  only  to  us  ministers,  but 
also  to  more  than  thirty  persons,  elders  for  the  most  part, 
and  also  some  other  w^ell-meaning  church  members,  to  their 
great  encouragement,  satisfaction,  and  gratitude  to  God. 

3.  The  Rev.  President  reported  that  there  had  been  sent 
to  him  on  the  part  of  the  Synods  of  South  and  North  Holland 
300  unbound  octavo  Bibles,  for  which  his  Reverence  had  to 
pay  as  freight  to  Messrs.  Shoemaker  &  Son,  from  Ilerborn  to 
Rotterdam  14  pounds,  and  from  Rotterdam  to  Philadelphia 
3  pounds  and  some  shillings,  thus  nearly  18  pounds  in  our 
country's  money. 

4.  His  Reverence  also  reported  that  500  folio  Bibles,  printed 
in  Basle  in  1747,  had  been  given  by  the  Rev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  to  be  considered  as  a  present  for  those  seeking 
their  salvation,  and  had  been  received  free  of  freight  ex- 
penses, since  neither  Mr.  Stedman,  in  Rotterdam,  nor  Capt. 
Coatam  claimed  the  least  payment  for  the  same.  His  Rever- 
ence had  expended  but  a  half  guinea  as  a  present  to  the  ship's 


EECOEDS  OF  17 52.  gg 

crew,  and  but  twenty  shillings  more  to  bring  to  his  home  the 
eight  large  boxes  in  which  the  Bibles  were  packed,  so  that  his 
Eeverence  has  expended  for  the  800  Bibles  19  pounds,  15 
shillings  and  6  pence,  regarding  which  the  Coetus  was  pleased 
to  take  tlie  following  action : 

a.  That  in  the  first  place  upon  every  pulpit,  in  which  reg- 
ular ministers  officiate,  a  large  Bible  be  placed  as  a  gift. 

b.  Since  there  are  many  well-to-do  people  who  gladly  will 
and  can  pay  for  a  Bible,  it  was  resolved,  so  that  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  need  not  be  further  burdened,  to  meet 
the  aforesaid  expenses  in  the  following  manner:  That  40 
copies  be  set  aside  to  be  sold  at  10  shillings  apiece  to  church 
membei-s  who  are  seekers  after  truth  and  well-to-do. 

c.  It  was  considered  necessary  to  have  the  unbound  octavo 
Bibles  properly  bound,  to  be  able  to  give  them  gratis  to  needy 
persons,  and  that  120  at  the  above-mentioned  price  be  sold  by 
the  ministers ;  and  it  was  further 

d.  Resolved  to  send  Do.  Weiss  24  copies  folio  Bibles,  one- 
half  to  be  sold  and  one-half  to  be  given  to  the  poor,  and  with 
the  same  understanding  the  others  were  assigned  as  follows: 

Do.  Rieger,  12  copies.  Do.  Stoy,  24  copies. 

Do.  Lischy,  36  copies.  Do.  Otterbein,  24  copies. 

Do.  Leydich,  24  copies.  Do.  Frankenfeld,  12  copies. 

Do.  Waldschmidt,  24  copies.     Do.  Tempelmann,  18  copies. 

In  regard  to  Do.  Wissler's  portion  nothing  was  determined 
for  various  reasons. 

In  case  the  amount  of  the  expenses  should  not  be  reached 
by  the  sale  of  these  Bibles,  still  others  may  be  distributed 
in  the  same  manner,  and  the  Rev.  President  declared  himself 
Avilling  to  give  an  account  to  Coetus  of  those  which  he  might 
distribute  at  Philadelphia  or  elsewhere. 

e.  It  was  regarded  as  necessary  that  the  Rev.  President,  in 
the  name  of  Coetus,  should  write  a  most  earnest  letter  of 
thanks  to  the  Rev.  Christian  Synods  of  Holland  and  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  that  he  should  most  humbly  and 
urgently  request  their  continued  fervent  prayers,  care  and 
fatherly  interest. 

f.  His  Reverence  was  also  charged  to  write  in  the  same 
spirit  to  the  Corpus  Evangelicum  in  Switzerland,  to  the 
Antistes  of  the  ministers  there,  and  to  the  Upper  Consisto- 
rium  of  the  Electoral  Palatinate  (Kur-Pfaltz). 


70  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

g.  Also  to  Mr.  J.  Stedman  in  our  name,  thanking  him  for 
the  free  transportation  of  the  500  folio  Bibles,  and  to  what- 
ever other  persons  such  letters  may  be  deemed  necessary. 

SECOND  SESSION. 

{September  20)  Friday  Afternoon. 
Certain  members  from  York,  of  the  congregation  of  Do. 
Lischy,  appeared  with  the  request  to  change  his  Reverence  to 
another  field,  if  it  pleased  the  Coetus  to  do  so,  and  to  send 
them  one  of  the  newly-arrived  ministers.  In  pursuance 
thereof  they  brought  forward,  on  being  asked  why  they 
desired  this  change,  the  following  objections,  subscribed  by 
many  names: 

a.  That  Do.  Lischy  formerly  belonged  to  the  Moravians. 

b.  That  his  Reverence  wished  to  rule  over  the  people. 

c.  That  there  were  several  persons  in  the  church  who  had 
rot  received  the  Lord's  Supper  for  a  long  period. 

d.  That  his  Reverence  refused  baptism  to  certain  persons. 

e.  That  for  the  reasons  mentioned  above  his  Reverence 
was  regarded  as  a  hireling  and  scattered  the  sheep. 

f.  That  nearly  60  persons  desired  to  be  served  by  another 
minister. 

Do.  Lischy 's  elders  of  the  aforesaid  congregation  were 
present,  and  answered  the  accusations  just  mentioned  as 
follows : 

a.  As  regards  the  first  complaint,  his  Reverence  had  in  a 
public  sermon  made  sufficient  repudiation  of  the  same. 

b.  They  knew  of  no  such  desire  to  rule. 

c.  Only  a  few  irreconcilable  people  remained  away  from 
the  observance  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  they  added  that 
they  did  not  think  the  fault  lay  with  the  minister  when  cer- 
tain persons  persisted  in  harboring  an  unfounded  suspicion 
against  him. 

d.  Do.  Lischy  was  declared  innocent  of  refusing  baptism, 
and  but  one  instance  was  brought  forward,  that  of  the  son- 
in-law  of  the  originator  of  all  this  trouble,  to  whom  his  Rev- 
erence six  weeks  ago  made  the  offer  to  baptize  his  child  pub- 
licly in  church,  but  who  wanted  to  have  it  baptized  not  by 
Do.  Lischy,  but  by  another  minister  present  at  the  time. 

e.  It  was  set  forth  that  therefore  Do.  Lischy  did  not  de- 


EECOBDS  OF  17 5S. 


71 


serve  to  be  regarded  as  a  hireling;  on  the  contrary  more 
trouble  Avas  to  be  looked  for  if  these  people  should  be  granted 
their  unrighteous  request. 

f .  Examining  the  number  of  the  signers,  it  was  found  that 
the  names  of  many  of  them  Avere  added  without  their  con- 
sent, others  were  persuaded  and  moved  thereto  without  suffi- 
cient reflection;  moreover,  the  solemn  call  given  anew  to  his 
Reverence  eighteen  months  ago  showed  how  unjust  was  this 
request  of  these  people. 

As  a  result  the  following  resolution  was  submitted  to  them 
by  the  Coetus: 

With  regard  to  the  accusations  of  the  discontented  in  York, 
it  has  been  found  after  careful  deliberation  that  their  present 
complaints  are  weak,  and  insufficient  for  the  removal  of  his 
Reverence.  Nevertheless,  the  matter  shall  be  properly  and 
patiently  investigated  in  due  time ;  but  winter  being  at  hand, 
and  it  being  deemed  impracticable  to  decide  such  an  affair  at 
once,  the  members  of  the  congregation  at  York  are  given  this 
friendly  admonition,  to  abide  in  quietness,  patience  and 
Christian  conduct,  and  to  remember  their  duty  toward  God, 
their  conscience,  their  pastor  and  their  neighbors,  comporting 
themselves  according  to  the  law  prescribed  both  for  pastor 
and  congregation,  and  in  the  spring  everything  shall  be 
patiently  and  carefully  investigated  by  two  ministers  com- 
missioned for  that  purpose. 

Signed,  Do.  Rieger, 

Do.  Schlatter, 
Do.  Frankenfeld, 
Do.  Stoy. 

2.  The  Rev.  President  read  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Coetus 
of  New  York  *  concerning  the  examination  and  ordination  of 
Do.  David  Marinus,  preacher  at  Achquachenonk.  This  was 
a  reply  to  a  letter  which  the  Rev.  President  had  written  to 
the  Rev.  Coetus  of  New  York  in  the  name  and  by  the  order 
of  our  Coetus,  whereof  the  contents  were : 

''An  humble  request  and  fraternal  proposition  to  their 
Reverences,  whether  it  be  practicable  and  acceptable  to  them 

*  This  letter  of  the  Coetus  of  New  York  is  given  in  full  in  Acts  and 
Proceedings  of  the  General  Synod  of  the  Eef.  Protestant  Dutch  Church, 
Yol.  I,  p.  Ixxiv,  f. 


72  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

to  examine  and  ordain  Do.  IMarinus  by  their  Coetus  in 
the  name  of  both  Synods,  since  Mr.  Marinus,  with  his  con- 
gregation, properly  belonged  to  the  Rev.  Coetus  of  New 
York,"  etc. 

3.  A  letter,  or  defense  and  remonstrance,  by  Do.  Steiner 
was  handed  in,  dated  October  14,  1752.  Our  resolution  re- 
garding it  appears  from  the  following  answer  of  the  Coetus: 
Rev.  Si7'  and  Friend: 

Your  extensive  communication  having  been  laid  before  our 
Coetus,  we  have  deemed  it  unnecessary,  from  lack  of  time 
and  for  other  reasons,  to  reply  to  all  the  contents  of  the  same 
point  by  point;  meanwhile  your  reverence  may  be  assured 
that  our  Coetus  would  have  taken  all  serviceable  measures, 
in  the  fear  of  God,  to  remove  immediately  the  offences  occa- 
sioned by  you,  to  your  own  satisfaction  and  best  interest, 
in  the  most  impartial  and  considerate  manner,  if  only,  accord- 
ing to  the  previous  invitation  of  Do.  Schlatter,  you  had  been 
willing  to  appear  at  our  Coetus  vdih.  the  sincere  purpose 
and  readiness  to  attain  the  object  mentioned  above,  and 
to  be  reconciled  to  Do.  Sclilatter  and  others,  and  further  to 
submit  yourself  to  the  just  advice  and  counsel  of  our  Coetus. 
But  whereas  you  thought  it  would  have  been  prejudicial  to 
your  character  to  have  appeared  before  our  Coetus,  and  it 
also  appears  that  you  have  scruples  to  be  in  connection  with 
us,  i.  e.,  to  enter  with  us  into  fraternal  union  and  subordina- 
tion to  the  Netherland  Synods,  therefore  we  are  compelled 
(sit  venia  nobis)  for  this  time  to  pass  you  by,  leaving  you 
with  God,  and  to  let  you  do  and  write  what  seems  good  to 
you  according  to  your  own  mind  and  reflection.  With  this 
view  we  have  passed  over  the  greater  portion  of  your  letter 
without  notice,  judging  that  we  have  acted  in  good  faith,  so 
that  we  can  answer  for  ourselves  in  the  presence  of  Jesus 
Christ  and  the  Rev.  Synods  of  Holland.  But  what  you  re- 
port about  the  congregation  at  Germantown,  wdth  reference  to 
its  claim  against  Do.  Schlatter  to  a  portion  of  the  money  col- 
lected by  Jacob  Reiff,  we  declare  in  a  few  words  that  we  do 
not  wish  to  meddle  with  that,  since  we  think  that  this  matter 
was  settled  long  ago.  In  case  of  necessity  Do.  Schlatter  will 
be  prepared  to  defend  himself  against  Germantown  before  the 
Christian  Synods;  on  our  part  we  would  rejoice  to  see  the 


EECOBDS  OF  1752.  73 

long-desired  rest  and  peace  of  the  Pennsylvania  cliurcli  after 
its  long- continued  struggles,  and  we  would  enjoy  the  same  in 
the  fear  of  God  with  a  grateful  heart.  Finally,  we  thank 
you  for  the  accompanying  well-meaning  verses;  on  our  part 
each  one  of  us  will  read  them,  and  value  and  prize  whatever 
truth  they  may  contain.  God  in  Christ  make  you  and  us  all 
more  perfect,  i.  e.,  humbler,  heartier,  more  faithful  and  more 
prudent  in  the  work  whereunto  we  have  been  instructed  in 
the  schools  of  the  church,  and  have  been  ordained  by  con- 
sistories,* and  have  pledged  ourselves  to  be  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  church.  In  the  name  of  all,  farewell  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  J.  B.  Rieger. 

P.  S.  The  invitation  mentioned  above  of  Do.  Schlatter 
was  unanimously  approved  in  our  Coetus  by  the  brethren. 

third  session. 

Friday  Afternoon. 
Concerning  the  ministers  and  their  congregations : 

1.  Do.  Rieger  reports  that  his  congregation  humbly  re- 
quests not  to  be  omitted  with  regard  to  the  benevolent  con- 
tributions; he  knows  of  no  discontent  in  his  congregation. 

2.  Do.  Lischy  in  regard  to  his  congregation  at  Kreutz  Creek, 
where  he  resides,  is  able  to  rejoice  in  the  promotion  of  peace, 
unity  and  confidence ;  but  with  regard  to  York  he  is  troubled, 
since  within  a  few  weeks,  as  mentioned  above,  discontent  has 
arisen  there. 

3.  Do.  Waldschmidt  being  asked  about  the  condition  of 
his  congregations,  declared  he  was  satisfied  Avith  Cocalico, 
White  Oaks  and  Seltenreich,  but  was  troubled  about  Muddy 
Creek,  since  Fred.  Casimir  Miiller,  a  hireling,  was  supported 
by  a  part  of  that  congregation,  as  may  be  seen  more  par- 
ticularly from  Do.  Schlatter's  journal.  He  desires  to  be 
installed  in  his  congregations,  and  declares  that  each  of  them 
would  contribute  ten  pounds  and  a  reasonable  amount  of 
grain,  i.  e.,  wheat  and  oats,  which  he  was  ready  to  prove  in 
writing ;  finally  he  desired  the  advice  of  Coetus  what  to  do  in 
the  case  of  Muddy  Creek.     Our  advice  was  to  go  on  preaching 

*  This  statement  does  not  refer  to  congregational  consistories,  but  to 
the  highest  church  judicatory  in  each  state  and  province  of  Germany- 
known  as  the  ' '  Consistorium. " 


74  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

there  until   it  should  please  the  Lord  to   remove  this  hin- 
drance out  of  his  way. 

4.  Do.  Stoy  thanks  God  for  the  blessing  which  he  thinks 
he  has  observed  within  a  short  time  in  the  two  congregations 
at  Tulpehocken,  and  in  the  third  at  Muehlbach;  the  fourth 
congi-egation,  called  Tolpehil,  he  promises  to  visit,  and  if 
possible  to  bring  into  a  prosperous  condition ;  finally  he  is  not 
troubled  about  his  salary. 

5.  Do.  Otterbein  knows  nothing  else  but  to  glory  in  peace 
and  in  God's  goodness  to  him  and  his  congregation.  As  the 
call  made  out  to  him  shows,  that  which  he  has  to  expect  for 
his  salary  is  the  sum  of  45  pounds,  etc. 

6.  Do.  Prankenfeld  rejoices  with  thanksgiving  to  God  over 
his  three  congregations  of  Frederick,  ]\Ionocacy  and  Cono- 
cocheague,  in  Pennsylvania.* 

7.  Do.  Schlatter  had  no  complaints  to  submit  in  regard  to 
his  congregation  at  Witpen,  located  sixteen  miles  from  Phil- 
adelphia. 

FOURTH  SESSION. 

{Septeniber  21)  Saturday  Morning. 
Regarding  the  school  teachers: 

1.  Do.  Rieger  states  that  his  congregation  is  able  to  main- 
tain one  school  teacher. 

2.  Do.  AValdschmidt  has  school  teachers  in  all  congrega- 
tions except  White  Oaks ;  the  school  teacher  at  Muddy  Creek, 
in  a  memorial  to  the  Coetus,  requests  its  support. 

3.  Do.  Lischy  requests  that  his  three  school  teachers  be 
supported  for  a  while  with  benevolent  contributions. 

4.  Do.  Otterbein  requests  that  his  school  teacher,  for  his 
faithfulness  and  diligence,  may  not  be  passed  over. 

5.  Do.  Stoy  petitions  for  a  contribution  to  his  school 
teachers  in  Muehlbach  and  Tolpehil,  desiring  that  the  first  in 
particular  may  be  favored  for  some  time  with  a  donation, 
because  he  still  owes  three  pounds  for  his  passage,  for  which 
debt  the  president  has  given  security. 

6.  Do.  Frankenfeld  praises  his  school  teacher  in  Monocacy,* 

*  This  ought  to  be  Maryland,  for  Frederick  and  Monocacy. 
*  This  school  teacher  was  Thomas  Schley,  as  is  shown  by  one  of  his 
letters  to  Schlatter,  Hague  74,  I.  51   (14). 


F.ECOEDS  OF  1752.  75 

and  asks  that  the  same,  as  well  as  another,  by  the  name  of 
Tanber,  recently  arrived  in  this  country,  may  not  be  for- 
gotten. The  latter  has  been  sent  for  a  few  weeks  to  Cono- 
coeheague,  with  the  consent  of  Dos.  Lischy  and  Frankenfeld 
and  a  recommendation  from  the  president. 

7.  The  president  intercedes  for  a  school  teacher  in  his 
congregation  at  Witpen,  and  he  offers  to  the  deliberation 
of  the  Coetus  whether  the  school  teacher,  and  the  poor  chil- 
dren who  are  unable  to  pay  for  their  tuition  and  belong  to 
the  rebellious  congregation  at  Philadelphia,  could  not  be  taken 
into  consideration,  so  that  he  may  also  be  encouraged  to  hope 
that  he  will  be  remembered  in  the  benevolent  contributions, 
since  the  children  of  poor  people  ought  not  to  be  neglected 
on  account  of  evil  persons.  The  Coetus  leaves  it  to  the  presi- 
dent to  do  in  this  matter  as  he  thinks  best. 

fifth  session. 

Saturday  Afternoon. 

1.  The  two  ]\Iessrs.  Du  Bois  and  Tempelmann  were  exam- 
ined yesterday,  being  the  20th  of  this  month,  the  first  hj 
Dos.  Rieger,  the  president,  and  Waldschmidt,  the  other  by 
Dos.  Lischy,  Stoj^,  Otterbein  and  Frankenfeld.  Both  were 
found  orthodox,  and  the  first  particularly  well  versed  in 
languages  and  the  other  sciences.  These  brethren  this 
forenoon,  before  a  numerous  assembly  and  in  our  presence, 
each  delivered,  in  his  mother  tongue,  a  brief  address  or  ser- 
mon in  the  church  here,  whereupon  they,  again  each  in  his 
mother  tongue,  were  ordained  by  the  Rev.  President  to  the 
holy  ministry;  finally  they  were  given  testimonials  certifying 
this. 

2.  Concerning  Do.  Bartholomaeus,  it  was  resolved  to  write 
to  Mr.  Conrad  Weiser,  and  thereby  ratify  in  the  name  of 
the  Coetus  what  the  Rev.  President  and  Secretary  on  Augaist 
31st  of  this  year  promised  in  his  (Weiser's)  presence,  namely, 
that  Do.  Bartholomaeus  be  relieved  from  the  care  of  his  con- 
gregation. 

3.  The  question  was  raised  how  Do.  Bartholomaeus  might 
be  aided  in  his  distressing  circumstances  and  his  health, 
with  God's  blessing,  be  restored.  He  himself  desired  in  writ- 
ing, in  the  presence  and  with  the  consent  of  his  wife,  that 


76  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

he  might  be  sent  by  our  Coetus  to  his  native  country,  thinking 
that  if  he  could  see  the  Palatinate  again  his  brain  and  con- 
stitution might  be  restored.  After  careful  deliberation  it 
was  resolved  to  send  him  in  the  care  of  a  trustworthy  man  to 
Heidelberg  at  our  expense,  and  that  under  no  circumstances 
should  he  trouble  our  dear  fathers  in  Holland  with  impor- 
tunities while  passing  through  their  country,  but  on  the 
contrary  we  commend  him  directly  in  the  most  urgent  man- 
ner to  the  Upper  Consistory  of  the  Electoral  Palatinate. 
Until  his  departure  he  will  be  supported  at  our  cost.  Fur- 
ther, certain  members  of  the  Coetus  have  offered  to  contribate 
towards  his  traveling  expenses  and  also  to  solicit  aid  from 
others,  so  that  if  possible  this  brother,  so  worthy  of  compas- 
sion, may  be  sent  over  to  Europe  with  greater  comfort. 

sixth  session. 

Afternoon.* 

1.  A  certain  young  man  was  present  by  the  name  of  Hecker, 
who  arrived  in  this  country  last  year,  and  had  begun  to  preach 
without  ordination.  He  requested  that  he  might  be  examined 
and  ordained  by  us,  so  that  hereafter  he  might  go  on  laboring 
with  honor  and  quietness  of  conscience  in  his  so-called  con- 
gregations. He  received  this  answer,  that  although  he  might 
produce  good  testimonials,  our  Coetus  nevertheless  could  not 
possibly  grant  his  desire,  but  according  to  its  instructions 
(from  Holland)  it  was  obliged  not  only  to  refuse  his  request, 
but  also  to  dissuade  him  from  continuing  his  preaching,  fur- 
ther beseeching  and  admonishing  him  not  to  keep  on  in  such 
unadvised  conduct,  but  to  conduct  himself  peacefully  and  as 
a  Christian. 

2.  The  Rev.  President  presented  several  petitions  from  the 
congregations  at  Donegal,  Indian  Field,  the  new  congrega- 
tion at  White  Oaks,  Conewago,  and  other  places,  which  de- 
sired to  be  served  occasionally  Avith  the  Word  and  Sacra- 
ments. These  petitions  were  taken  into  consideration,  and 
the  congregations  will  be  attended  to,  with  God's  help  by  one 
or  the  other  brother  as  far  as  possible  in  the  future. 

3.  In  regard  to  the  congregation  at  Conewago,  located 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Susquehanna  River,  it  was  resolved 

*  Probably  this  ought  to  be  Monday  afternoon. 


RECORDS  OF  1752.  77 

that  it  should  be  supplied  ad  interim  by  Dos.  Otterbein, 
Lischy,  Frankenfeld,  Waldsehmidt,  Stoy,  Rieger,  Tempel- 
mann  and  the  president  in  turn,  once  a  month,  and  Do. 
Otterbein  was  appointed  to  make  a  beginning  on  November 
5th  of  this  year. 

4,  A  representative  from  the  congregation  called  Muehlbach 
was  present,  requesting,  if  it  might  please  the  Coetus,  to  put 
into  his  hands  a  permit  to  take  up  collections  in  order  to  pay 
off  in  this  way  the  debt  of  a  stone  church,  which  request  for 
various  reasons  was  refused  for  the  present. 

seventh  session. 

(Tuesday)  Mornes^g. 
It  was  resolved: 

1.  To  pay  to  Do.  Boehm's  widow,  in  the  name  of  the  Sjoiod, 
4  pounds  of  this  country's  money,  and  for  this  purpose  to 
add  to  the  14  guilders  which  Do.  Schlatter  had  received  for 
her  from  the  Synod  of  South  Holland  38  shillings,  which  Do. 
Schlatter  was  willing  to  advance  until  they  could  be  repaid 
to  him. 

2.  Do.  Schlatter  has  turned  over  to  the  wife  of  Do.  Dorsius, 
on  receipt  for  the  same,  47  guilders  (Holland  money),  which 
were  given  to  him  for  her  by  the  Synod. 

3.  The  president  handed  to  each  minister  upon  request 
two  folio  books  bound  in  parchment,  intended  for  baptisms 
and  church  records,  for  which  he  paid  in  Holland  44  guilders 
and  10  stuivers,*  which  sum  is  placed  to  his  credit. 

4.  A  letter  sent  by  more  than  thirty  members  of  the  con- 
gregation at  Philadelphia  was  read,  who  of  their  own  accord, 
without  the  knowledge  of  Mr.  Schlatter,  humbly  requested 
Coetus  that  Mr.  Schlatter  might  be  induced  to  minister  to 
them,  since  they  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  Mr.  Rubel 
and  his  independent  adherents.  This  matter  being  considered 
in  the  absence  of  the  president,  it  was  resolved  to  exhort 
these  well-meaning  persons  to  patience  for  the  present,  and 
to  refer  them  to  the  next  Coetus  to  be  held  in  the  spring  or 
possibly  earlier,  because  by  that  time  one  or  more  matters 
may  have  more  fully  developed,  and  it  was  concluded  to  send 
to  them  the  following  communication: 

*  A  Dutch  guilder  is  equivalent  to  forty  and  a  stuiver  to  two  cents. 


78  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Very  WortJiy  Friends: 

From  the  communication  addressed  to  us  we  have  observed 
with  pleasure  your  disposition  and  desire.  We  justly  rejoice 
over  your  praiseworthy  conduct,  that  notwithstanding  the 
schism  at  Philadelphia,  you  nevertheless  do  not  only  give  evi- 
dence of  proper  gratitude  towards  our  godly  church  fathers, 
but  have  also  a  praiseworthy  Christian  desire  to  be  ministered 
unto  by  our  beloved  brother  Schlatter.  But  after  ripe  delib- 
eration we  cannot  for  the  present  approve  your  request  imme- 
diately, but  deem  it  to  be  more  profitable  for  our  brother 
Schlatter  to  keep  himself  for  the  present  somewhat  quiet  and 
to  continue  in  patience,  the  more  so  because  he  is  prevented 
at  present  by  many  other  duties  from  giving  his  thought  to 
your  special  service.  In  the  meantime  we  trust  that  you  will 
set  your  minds  at  rest,  and,  lacking  a  regular  pastor,  will  all 
the  more  zealously  cling  to  the  great  Shepherd  Jesus  Christ, 
to  which  we  encourage  you.  Finally  commending  you  to 
God  and  the  word  of  his  grace,  we  remain  your  willing  ser- 
vants and  affectionate  friends  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  Coetus  of 
Pennsylvania,  in  the  name  of  all.  Do.  Scriba. 

Further,  the  Coetus  takes  the  liberty  to  ask  you,  the  Rev. 
Christian  Synods,  how  we  should  act  towards  Dos.  Steiner  and 
Rubel.  And  as  Do.  Schlatter  labors  in  a  congregation  sixteen 
miles  from  Philadelphia,  but,  so  to  speak,  only  ad  interim, 
and  after  having  given  up  Philadelphia  from  necessity  and 
in  order  to  avoid  strife,  now  wishes  to  renew  his  opposition 
to  the  other  party,  but  after  taking  counsel  with  us  has  found 
it  advisable  to  remain  passive  until  some  change  might  occur, 
we  find  ourselves  obliged  not  only  to  approve  his  action 
hitherto,  but  also  to  be  completely  satisfied  with  his  conduct, 
as  he  in  these  and  other  things  consults  with  us  and  continues 
to  do  the  same.  His  trouble  and  care  will  appear  from  his 
own  journal,  of  which  an  extract  has  been  read  and  found 
correct  by  us.  We  trust  that  he,  at  our  request,  may  con- 
tinue to  make  known  the  circumstances  of  the  Pennsylvania 
congregations  faithfully,  conscientiously,  carefully  and  to  our 
general  satisfaction,  to  the  Rev.  Christian  Synods  and  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  that  he  may  retain  the  favor  and 
confidence  of  the  same,  to  whom  we  commend  him  with  all 
fraternal  affection. 

Lancaster,  October  25,  1752. 


EECOBDS  OF  1752.  79 

N.  B.  The  German  original  was  vouched  for  as  our  will 
and  decision,  by  our  signatures,  and  the  seal  of  the  city 
affixed  at  our  request. 

M.  Schlatter,  Pres.  p.  t.,      Theo.  Frankexfeld, 
H.  W.  Stoy,  Sec.  p.  t.,  CoxRAD  Te^ipelmanx, 

J.  B.  RiEGER,,  Jonathan  Du  Bois, 

Jacob  Lischy,  Dcm.  Barthglomaeus, 

John  Waldschmidt,  G-.  M.  Weiss, 

Ph.  W.  Otterbein,  J.  Ph.  Leydich. 

N.  B.  The  last  two  did  not  sign  these  minutes  till  May, 
1753. 

MINUTES   OF   SPECIAL   COETUS,   HELD   IX   PHILA- 
DELPHIA, DECEMBER  12th,  1752. 

(Hague  74,  i.  75;  Amst.  Portfolio  No.  31.) 

Beverend  and  Tiell  Learned  Sirs,  Deputies  of  tlie  Beverend 

and  Christian  Synods  of  South   and  North  Holland,  our 

Dear  and  Benevolent  Fathers  and  Brethren  in  Christ: 

T\lien,  with  God's  blessing,  the  Coetus  at  Lancaster  had 

adjourned  and  the  minutes  had  been  written  and  subscribed 

tc  by  nine  brethren,  unanimously  and  in  love.  Do.  Schlatter 

took  the  trouble  to  travel  in  person  to  Do.  Leydich  to  request 

him,  and  after  that  also  Do.  "^'eiss,  if  they  would  likewise 

subscribe   the   same,   after  they  had   read   them,   so   as   not 

to  be  looked  upon  in  Holland  as  offending  against  good  order 

and  fraternal  love,  but  they  refused  to  do  so,  and  brought 

forward  nothing  but  trifling  objections. 

Therefore  we  resolved  once  more  to  assemble  in  extra  ses- 
sion at  Do.  Schlatter's  house  at  Philadelphia,  where  at  present 
we  are  gathered  in  true  unity  of  purpose,  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  and  by  His  goodness. 

We  deem  it  our  duty  to  declare  to  your  Reverences  in 
sincerity,  fidelity  and  "without  guile  the  reasons  preventing 
us  hitherto  from  most  humbly  communicating  a  gladdening 
account  of  the  state  of  our  Pennsylvania  churches,  and  what 
thus  far  has  thwarted  your  good  intention,  the  execution  of 
your  instructions,  and  a  more  pleasing  progress. 

An  unhappy  instrument  was  Do.  Rubel,  who  set  himself 
in  a  most  malicious,  rude  and  disorderlv  manner  asainst  all 


80  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

our  fraternal  expostulations  in  Philadelphia,  and  served  a 
portion  of  the  congregation  there  as  minister.  This  has 
caused  a  great  commotion  and  scandal  throughout  the  land. 
People  say,  first  of  all,  if  the  preachers  betray  one  another 
in  so  detestable  a  manner,  having  no  regard  for  the  church- 
order  to  which  their  word  is  pledged,  but  on  the  contrary 
giving  e\ddences  of  disloyalty,  rebelliousness  and  irregularity, 
how  can  we  be  admonished  and  pereuaded  by  the  same  to 
peace,  unity,  yea,  to  eternal  blessedness?  Thus  Do.  Rubel's 
reckless  and  unbecoming  conduct  did  great  harm,  and,  in  the 
second  place,  had  great  influence  upon  Do.  Steiner,  who,  see- 
ing how  a  younger  preacher  set  himself  with  such  confidence 
against  the  instructions  of  the  Rev.  Synods  and  our  Coetus, 
took  courage,  and  also  asserted  himself,  and  refused  to  act 
in  conjunction  with  our  Coetus,  except  on  condition  that  Do. 
Schlatter  be  excluded,  on  the  ground  of  old  but  unfounded 
accusations,  wherewith  he  seeks  to  brand  Do.  Schlatter  against 
al!  reason,  in  order  to  justify  his  unwarranted  behavior 
against  him.  And  although  we  permit  Do.  Rubel  and  Do. 
Sleiner  to  labor  undisturbed  in  their  congregations,  yet 
neither  of  them  is  satisfied,  but  they  attempt  to  persuade 
other  brethren  and  congregations  likewise  to  be  disobedient 
and  independent,  pretending  that  the  promised  donations 
from  Holland  and  elsewhere,  which  according  to  Do.  Schlatter 
were  to  be  expected,  were  nothing  but  fraudulent  invention 
and  falsehood,  wherewith  he  led  the  people  by  the  nose,  so 
to  speak.  Besides,  these  objections  are  having  much  influence 
upon  Dos.  AVeiss  and  Leydich,  who,  however,  would  doubtless 
have  remained  steadfast  and  of  a  fraternal  spirit,  if  Do. 
Schlatter  had  brought  with  him  a  purse  full  of  gold  for 
them;  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  they  will  recognize  their 
inconstancy  and  thoughtlessness  and  come  back  to  us,  if  only 
those  will  be  provided  for  on  the  part  of  the  Christian  Synods 
who  remain  loyal  to  the  orders  of  the  Synods  and  in  subordi- 
nation to  them.  We  are  compelled  to  express  our  opinions 
emphatically  Avith  regard  to  these  two  brethren,  but  as  re- 
gards their  persons,  we  leave  them  with  God,  and  believe  that 
they  have  more  piety  than  wisdom  and  prudence.  Their 
actions,  however,  against  us  and  our  Coetus  are  felt  by  us  for 
the  time  being  most  painfully  and  keenly.     Before    we  began 


BECOEDS  OF  1752.  gl 

this  session  their  presence  was  requested  several  times  in  writ- 
ing, in  the  most  fraternal  manner,  by  Dos.  Schlatter  and  Rie- 
ger,  Lischy  and  Du  Bois.  From  the  first  and  last  they  re- 
ceived during  the  last  week  an  oral  invitation,  but  their  answer 
was  that  they  had  already  had  too  much  expense  on  account  of 
the  Coetus,  and  that  they  also  must  first  get  permission  from 
their  congregations  to  attend.  As  regards  Do.  Wissler, 
located  at  Egypt,  at  no  great  distance  from  Dos.  Weiss  and 
Leydich,  he  is  more  of  a  friend  to  Dos.  Steiner  and  Rubel 
than  to  us,  and  we  are  also  afraid  that  he  will  not  come  up 
to  our  expectations.  Neither  did  he  come  to  this  meeting, 
but  sent  in  writing  the  following  excuses,  viz.,  "that  he  had 
an  engagement  to  preach,  and  to  marry  a  couple,  that  he  had 
to  visit  the  sick  and  had  house  visitations  on  hand,  nor  could 
he  leave  his  wife  alone,  and  that  he  had  no  money  for  the 
journey. 

' '  Further,  he  desired  if  anything  was  to  be  signed,  that  it  be 
done  in  his  name  by  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich  or  Frankenf eld. " 

At  this  session  we  endeavored,  but  in  vain,  to  make  Do. 
Steiner  realize  his  duty,  first  in  writing,  then  orally  by  Dos. 
Otterbein  and  Stoy,  and  finally  again  by  letter.  With  regard 
to  the  congregation  in  Philadelphia,  Do.  Schlatter  has  thus 
far  remained  passive,  notwithstanding  that  there  always  have 
been  many  people  in  Philadelphia  w^ho  insisted  that  he  should 
again  serve  as  their  pastor  even  as  before  his  departure.  Your 
Reverences  can  see  from  the  Coetus  minutes  of  this  year  that 
from  said  people  a  request  was  handed  in  to  Coetus,  but  it 
was  not  deemed  advisable  at  the  time  to  do  anything  else  in 
the  matter  than  to  send  the  letter  contained  in  the  minutes 
to  these  people.  But  now  these  people  have  learned  that 
we  are  again  in  session,  and  of  their  own  accord  have  once 
more  insisted  and  petitioned  that  Do.  Schlatter  might  be 
induced  by  us  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  them  in  accord- 
ance with  our  Coetal  regulations,  and  to  lead  their  souls 
unto  salvation.  This  matter  seemed  to  us  so  important 
and  so  very  delicate  that  we  did  not  discuss  the  matter 
only  among  ourselves,  but  also  consulted  certain  great 
patrons,  Presbj^terian  theologians  and  other  friends,  who 
were  unanimously  of  our  opinion,  that  Do.  Schlatter  ought 
not  to  withdraw  himself,  nor  longer  decline  to  preach  in  this 
6 


82  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

place  before  orderly  people  desirous  of  hearing  him.  It  was 
even  regarded  by  all  the  friends  as  the  most  efficient  means 
by  which  esteem  for  the  Christian  Synod,  church  discipline 
and  order,  brotherly  love,  and  the  general  care  of  those  desir- 
ing salvation,  could  be  maintained,  and  on  the  other  hand  by 
which  the  evil  efforts  of  independent  and  disorderly  people 
could  be  counteracted.  In  consideration  thereof  Do.  Schlatter 
was  fraternally  requested  by  us  to  offer  his  services  to  this 
good  end,  and  to  serve  the  above-mentioned  people  as  their 
pastor.  Whereupon  his  Reverence  declared  himself  willing 
to  undertake  this  work,  relying  upon  God's  help,  after  two 
Presbyterian  ministers  had  each  of  their  own  accord  offered 
his  church  to  him  for  divine  services.  In  consequence  of 
this,  notice  was  given  last  Saturday,  that  on  the  following 
day,  and  thereafter,  services  would  be  held  in  the  large 
and  beautiful  church  mentioned  above,  which  were  held  on 
this  occasion  by  Do.  Stoy  in  the  morning  and  Do.  Rieger  in 
the  evening,  in  the  presence  of  a  numerous  and  attentive 
congregation  which  exceeded  all  our  expectations.  After 
the  sermon  the  following  was  read  to  the  audience : 

''After  we,  united  ministers,  had  assembled  once  more,  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  to  consider  some  necessary  matters  per- 
taining to  the  Reformed  congregations,  we  learned  that  there 
was  not  a  small  but  a  large  number  of  right-minded  and  order- 
loving  people  in  this  city  who  had  had  no  part  in  the  disorder 
and  confusion  hitherto  prevailing,  but  on  the  contrary  have 
shown  themselves  to  be  cordially  and  willingly  devoted  to  the 
order  of  our  Reformed  church,  and  wish  henceforth  to  be 
guided  and  assisted  by  the  Coetus.  Consequently  it  was 
deemed  necessary  by  us  that  our  dear  colleague.  Do.  Schlatter, 
after  the  repeated  earnest  solicitations  he  had  received,  should 
preach  here,  in  order  to  proclaim  the  Word  of  God  to  those 
who  seek  their  salvation  and  desire  to  hear  him,  and  not  with 
the  object  of  forcing  himself  upon  a  people  who  do  not  want 
him,  but  only  in  fulfilment  of  his  duty  and  obligation  to  care 
for  such  as  heartily  desire  his  services,  to  which,  as  we  trust, 
God  in  Christ  will  add  His  precious  blessing." 

We  must  add  most  humbly  and  with  all  reverence,  that 
moved  by  the  most  tender  esteem  and  gratitude,  we  assure 
your  Reverences  that  under  God's  blessing,  with  his  aid  and 


BE  COEDS  OF  1752.  33 

the  power  of  his  Spirit,  we  shall  continue  to  uphold,  although 
in  feebleness,  but  faithfully  and  zealously,  modestly,  and  as 
far  as  possible,  prudently,  your  commands  and  instructions, 
and  maintain  our  subordination  to  you.  We  are  of  good 
courage  that  the  same  God  who  has  blessed  the  efforts  of  your 
Reverences  and  through  you  those  of  our  dear  brother,  Do. 
Schlatter,  will  be  pleased  further  to  make  his  strong  arm  and 
all-wise  providence  felt  in  this  land.  If  your  fervent  prayers 
with  ours  shall  be  acceptable  to  the  glorified  Jesus,  the  great 
Head  of  the  church,  and  shall  be  heard  by  the  Father,  there 
can  be  no  doubt  that  neither  Satan  nor  his  agents  shall  con- 
quer us,  as  may  be  seen  Jer.  xv.  15-21.  If  only  your  Rever- 
ences will  be  kind  enough  not  to  lose  faith  in  us  brethren, 
but  wdll  be  pleased  according  to  your  wisdom  to  judge  those 
reports  that  are  current  against  us,  by  their  own  contents  and 
according  to  the  merits  of  the  several  persons  from  Avhom 
they  may  come,  and  will  generously  help  us  forward  and 
encourage  us,  then,  in  our  feeble  opinion,  yet  salvo  meliori 
[subject  to  correction]  shall  our  opponents  in  vain  stir  up 
strife,  and  the  wavering  come  back  of  their  own  accord. 

We  cannot  omit  to  note,  in  a  few  words,  that  Do.  Schlatter 
during  his  absence  drew  no  salary  from  the  congregation, 
but  it  was  paid  to  those  of  his  colleagues  who  took  his  place. 
And  since  that  time  he  has  had  nothing  but  heavy  expenses, 
and,  moreover,  remains  uncertain  as  to  what  remuneration 
he  will  receive  for  his  services  here,  which  in  all  likelihood 
will  not  be  large  during  the  first  year.  Further,  in  the  name 
of  the  Deputies,  he  has  handed  over  to  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich 
and  Lischy,  each  one,  50  guilders,  entrusted  to  him  before 
his  departure  from  Holland,  together  with  a  letter  and  a 
rider  *  from  the  Rev.  Deputy  Hoedemaker. 

After  wishing  your  Reverences  God's  most  precious  bless- 
ings in  all  respects,  we  herewith  commend  ourselves  to  you 
with  the  most  dutiful  gratitude  and  most  respectful  offer  of 
our  feeble  services. 

*  A  Dutch  gold  coin  worth  fourteen  guilders,  or  $5.63  according  to  the 
Standard  Dictionary.     See  Coins. 


84 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Your    Reverences'    most    humble    servants    and    grateful 
brethren, 

Philadelphia,  December  12,  1752. 


Henry  Wm.  Stoy, 

J.  B.  RiEGER, 

Jacob  Lischy, 
John  Waldschmidt, 
Conrad  Tempelmann, 
Ph.  W.  Otterbein, 
N.  B.     The  last  two  did  not  sign  this  till  May  29,  1753. 


Jonathan  Du  Bois, 
Theodore  Frankenfeld, 
Michael  Schlatter, 
George  Michael  \Yeiss, 
John  Phil.  Leydich. 


MINUTES  OF  THE   COETUS  HELD  IN  LANCASTER, 
APRIL  26,  1753. 

(Hague  74,  i.  79;  Amst.  Portfolio,  No.  59.) 

PEEFACE. 

Lancaster,  April  26th,  1753. 
Inasmuch  as  Do.  Schlatter  received  letters  in  the  begin- 
ning of  March  from  the  Rev.  Christian  Synods  of  South  and 
North  Holland,  which  were  dated  by  the  Rev.  Deputies  of 
both  Synods,  October  1752,  and  delivered  to  the  Messrs. 
Zacharias  and  Isaac  Hope,  of  Rotterdam,  with  an  order  that 
their  friends  in  Philadelphia  pay  to  him  2,523  guilders 
[$1,009.20]  Holland  money  in  the  name  of  the  aforesaid 
Synods,  the  aforesaid  gentlemen  paid  to  Do.  Schlatter 
through  Messrs.  Benjamin  and  Samuel  Shoemaker,  of  Phila- 
delphia, the  sum  of  360  pounds  and  9  shillings,  Pennsylvania 
currency.  This  he  reported  to  his  colleagues,  not  only  to 
the  undersigned,  but  also,  for  the  sake  of  love  and  peace, 
to  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich  and  Wissler,  whom  he  invited  in  the 
most  friendly  manner  to  a  meeting  at  Readingtown  (a  newly 
laid  out  city  near  Tulpehocken)  on  the  25th  of  this  month. 
Some  of  us  submitted  to  him,  salvo  meliori  [subject  to  cor- 
rection] ,  that  for  several  reasons  we  would  prefer,  if  accept- 
able to  him,  to  have  the  aforesaid  meeting  transferred  to 
Lancaster.  To  this  proposition  he  agreed,  and  invited  all 
the  brethren  mentioned  above  to  Lancaster,  where  at  present 
we  have  arrived  through  God's  goodness,  in  health,  and  have 
this  day  begun  our  meeting. 

FIRST    SESSION. 

The  meeting  was  opened  with  a  fervent  prayer  by  Do. 
Rieger. 

1.  Do.  Schlatter  suggested  that  another  president  be 
elected  in  his  place  to  preside  over  the  meeting  on  this  occa- 
sion, but  we  unanimously  requested  him  to  please  continue 
as  such,  and  to  preside  over  our  assembly  without  further 
objections. 

2.  The   president  handed  to   us   the   letters   of   the   Rev. 

(85) 


86  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Deputies  of  both  S\Tiods,  and  at  the  same  time  left  to  the 
meeting  the  disposition  of  the  donations  received  by  him. 
He  first  handed  in  a  bill  for  those  thirty  pounds  sterling  or 
360  Holland  guilders  which  he  had  borrowed  on  account 
of  the  Rev.  Synods  the  year  before  in  New  Castle;  hence 
a  large  part  of  this  sum  was  given  to  him  in  advance  from 
the  donations.  After  this  the  donations  were  divided  and 
applied,  in  accordance  with  the  Christian  intention  of  the 
Rev.  Synods,  in  the  following  manner: 

£.      s. 

3.  To  Do.  Rieger,  although  he  made  no  actual 
claim,  for  the  reason  that  he  is  blessed  of  God  with 
temporal  possessions,  was  given  the  sum  of 8       2 

4.  Do.  Lischy  having  been  asked  how  much  he 
could  expect  from  his  congregation,  answered  that  he 
could  expect  between  40  and  50  pounds,  but  the 
amount  was  rather  uncertain ;  further,  he  stated  that 
since  the  arrival  of  the  new  ministers  he  had  made 
several  expensive  journeys;  also  that  he  had  pre- 
viously had  considerable  expense  in  the  printing  of 
a  certain  circular,*  adding  that  if  only  the  said  ex- 
penses were  in  some  way  made  good  to  him  he  A\t)uld 
be  fully  satisfied;  hence  there  was  assigned  to  him, 

Expenses  for  circular  £   5 

Traveling  expenses "15 

Supplement  to  salary ''10 

—     30 

5.  Do.  Stoy  having  been  asked  concerning  the 
circumstances  of  his  congregation  and  the  amount  of 
his  salary,  answered  that  he  hoped  to  receive  40 
pounds,  hence  there  was  assigned  to  him.  .   £  27     10 

Traveling  expenses "    2       5 

29     15 

6.  Do.  Otterbein  expected  45  pounds  from  his  con- 
gregation, and  to  him  were  assigned,  inclusive  of 
50  guilders  Holland  currency,  or  £7.  10  s.  5  pence, 
Pennsylvania  currency,  which  were  made  over  by 

*  It  is  entitled :   Circular  Schreiben  der  Vereinigteu  Reformirten  Pre- 
diger  in  Pennsylvanien,  etc.     Lancaster,  1752. 


BECOBDS  OF  1753.  §7 

£.      s. 

the  Rev.  Deputies  to  his  mother £  22     10 

Traveling  expenses "    2 

24     10 

7.  Do.  Waldschmidt,  who  put  his  income  at  40 
pounds,  drew 27     10 

8.  Do.  Frankenfeld  could  estimate  his  salary  at  50 
pounds,  and  received  from  us £  17     10 

For  expenses   ' '    3     18 

21       8 

9.  Do.  Tempelmann  being  asked  for  the  circum- 
stances of  his  congregation,  answered  that  although 
the  income  from  his  ministry  was  not  large,  yet  he 
suffered  no  lack  in  temporal  things,  hence  there  was 
assigned  to  him  a  honorarium  of 6     15 

10.  Do.  Du  Bois  stated  that  his  income  was  50 
pounds,  and  because  he  was  only  ordained  last  fall, 

there  were  allotted  to  him 10     16 

11.  To  Do.  Bartholomaeus  who,  through  Do. 
Schlatter's  interposition,  is  at  present  in  the  hos- 
pital at  Philadelphia,  where  we  are  obliged  to  pay 
for  his  board  and  the  ser\dce  rendered,  was  assigned 
by  order  of  Synods  the  sum  of £  35 

Also  to  reimburse  the  Rev.  Presi- 
dent for  expenses  pre\dously  in- 
curred for  him ^ '  10     17 

45     17 

12.  To  the  deserted  wife  of  Do.  Dorsius  was  as- 
signed, inclusive  of  £6  which  were  given  to  her  by 
the   Synod  of  North  Holland,   from  the   donations 

the  sum  of  8 


Brought  forward 212     13 

SECOND  SESSION. 

1.  Do.  Schlatter  having  been  asked  what  he  had 
to  expect  in  his  present  circumstances  from  his  con- 
gregations at  Philadelphia  and  AYitpen,  answered 
that  his  income  could  not  be  estimated  at  more  than 
about  28  pounds,  but  if  he  should  get  more  than  that, 


88  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

£. 
he  was  ready  to  render  au  account  thereof,  and  left 
it  to  our  jud^iient  to  assign  him  as  much  as  we 
should  see  fit.  After  we  had  taken  into  account  His 
circumstances,  it  was  resolved,  in  his  absence,  to  as- 
sign to  him  at  present  the  sum  of 60 

For  although  it  had  been  our  desire  to  assign  some- 
what more  to  him  on  account  of  heavy  traveling  ex- 
penses, expensive  provisions,  wood,  and  house  rent 
at  Philadelphia,  the  more  so  because  we  were  assured 
that  house  rent,  wood,  and  maintenance  of  a  house 
cost  him  50  pounds,  yet  it  was  at  the  time  impossible 
to  designate  more  for  him,  inasmuch  as  we  had  al- 
ready disposed  of  most  of  the  money,  and  had  re- 
solved to  remember  the  school  teachers. 

2.  As  regards  Dos.  AYeiss,  Leydich  and  Wissler, 
none  of  them  appeared  at  our  meeting  on  this  occa- 
sion, but  they  replied  to  two  different  letters  of  Do. 
Schlatter,  that  if  Dos.  Steiner  and  Rubel  were  not 
regarded  as  integral  members  of  our  Coetus,  they 
would  not  come,  although  they  had  resolved  to  come 
to  Reading.  But  they  held  back  when  the  place 
of  meeting  was  changed,  possibly  for  the  reason  that 
at  our  last  meeting  in  October  at  Lancaster  they  had 
behaved  themselves  so  obstinately,  thoughtlessly  and 
offensively  that  they  had  thereby  lost  the  esteem  of 
the  congregation.  Nevertheless  we  wished  to  ob- 
serve our  obligations  toward  them,  and  in  the  hope 
that  in  time  they  would  repent  left  for  them  in  the 

hands  of  Do.  Schlatter 60 

notifying  them  that  the  money  would  be  given  them 
provided  they  approved  the  Acts  of  our  several  As- 
semblies, also  subscribed  them,  and  for  the  remain- 
der conducted  themselves  submissively  as  members 

of  the  Rev.  and  Christian  Synods  and  like  us  sub- 
ordinate thereto.  We  further  made  known  to  them 
most  emphatically  various  considerations  aiming  at 
unity. 

3.  Finally  the  following  named  school-masters 
were  aided  from  the  donations.     But  we  must  make 


s. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1753.  ^9 

this  apology  in  advance.  Dos.  Steiner  and  Rubel  by 
a  spirit  of  independence,  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich  and 
"VVissler  by  imprudent  conduct  and  unbrotherly 
dealings,  had  maintained  and  increased  the  suspicion 
and  dissension  existing  between  ministers  and 
churches,  so  that  after  Do.  Schlatter's  arrival  the 
churches  usually  had  to  be  handled  very  prudently 
and  carefully.  Indeed,  one  hardly  dared  to  influ- 
ence them  to  their  dutiful  obligation  to  pay  their 
ministers,  for  fear  they  would,  like  those  of  Ger- 
mantown,  Philadelphia,  Goshenhoppen,  etc.,  with- 
draw themselves,  to  the  detriment  of  their  o\vn 
welfare,  from  all  good  order,  subordination  and 
Christian  discipline,  and  thus  make  the  confusion 
general.  This,  Rev,  Fathers  and  Brethren,  is  the 
true  and  only  reason  why  our  ministry  is  so  difficult, 
our  labor  so  fruitless,  our  religion  so  despised,  our 
income  so  uncertain,  and  the  school  teachers  usually 
are  brought  into  the  most  deplorable  circumstances. 
For  this  reason  also,  they  could  not  be  remembered 
at  this  time  according  to  our  desire  and  their  de- 
serts, and  but  a  few  of  the  most  needy  could  be 
rewarded  and  encouraged  in  the  following  manner: 

£.      s. 
Brought  forward 332     13 

1.  The  school-teacher  at  Lancaster.  ..  £  6 

2.  The  one  at  Monocacy "6 

3.  The  one  at  Witpen ''4 

4.  The  one  at  Tulpehocken ^'4 

5.  The  one  at  Kreutz  Creek "3 

6.  The  one  at  Cothoras  [Codorus]  .  .   "  2       7 

7.  The  one  at  Goshenhoppen "5       8 

—    —    30     15 

Sum  total £363       8 

Regarding  the  school-teachers  at  Philadelphia,  Cocalico, 
Falkner's  Swamp,  Frederick  and  other  places  who  may  be 
in  need,  the  Rev.  President  has  taken  it  upon  himself  to  assist 
them  as  far  as  possible  in  another  way.  At  the  same  time 
the  Rev.  President  has  been  instructed  to  have  a  small  cate- 


90  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

chism  printed,  for  the  benefit  and  edification  of  the  youth, 
on  the  same  principle  that  last  winter  already,  at  his  own 
expense,  he  had  a  thousand  ABC  books  printed,  most 
of  which  he  had  distributed  for  nothing  and  sold  the  re- 
mainder for  half  price,  in  order  that  the  youth  might  not 
be  neglected  because  of  the  lack  of  these  books.  The  presi- 
dent further  reported  that  he  had  been  compelled  to  take  up 
at  New  Castle  the  30  pounds  sterling,  already  mentioned  in 
the  account,  and  had  been  forced  to  lose  30  guilders,  Holland 
currency,  when  the  draft  came  in,  since  30  pounds  sterling 
only  equal  the  sum  of  330  Dutch  guilders.  And  at  the  same 
time  he  suggested  that  the  whole  body  could  better  bear  that 
loss  than  himself,  hence  30  guilders  were  added  to  his  ac- 
count, in  order  that  they  may  be  refunded  to  him  next  year, 
inasmuch  as  this  year  there  is  no  money  in  the  treasury. 
His  account  is  as  follows,  namely,  the  above-mentioned  30 
guilders,  or  rather  4  pounds  10  s. ;  the  contribution  to  the 
widow  Boehm,  £1.  18  s. ;  expenses  of  Coetus  in  Philadelphia 
last  November,  4  pounds;  traveling  and  other  expenses,  10 
pounds;  postage,  2  pounds;  total  of  what  Do.  Schlatter  is 
entitled  to  draw  in  the  future,  the  sum  of  £22.  8  s. 

Finally,  after  prayer  and  thanksgiving  to  God  by  the  Rev. 
President^  we  separated  from  each  other  in  love  and  peace, 
after  unanimously  subscribing  the  Minutes,  and  after  having 
unshed  one  another  blessing  and  prosperity. 

Michael  Schlatter,  Conrad  Tempelmann, 

J.  B.  Rieger,  John  Waldschmidt, 

J.  LiscHY,  Jonathan  Du  Bois, 

W.  Stoy.  Ph.  W.  Otterbein, 

Theo.  Frankenfeld. 
Lancaster,  April  27,  1753, 
Philadelphia,  May  29th,  subscribed  by 
George  Michael  Weiss, 
John  Philip  Leydich. 


MINUTES   OF   COETUS,   HELD   IN  LANCASTER, 

OCTOBER  9-10,  1753. 

(Amst.  Portfolio,  No.  61.) 

Lancaster,  October  9,  1753. 

The  follo^^dng  ministers,  namely,  Dos.  Rieger,  Lischy, 
Otterbein,  Du  Bois  and  Schlatter,  came  together  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  in  order  to  reply  to  your  Reverences'  letter 
addressed  to  our  Coetus  (and  hitherto  remaining  in  Do. 
Leydich's  hands)  in  the  best  possible  and  most  dutiful 
manner. 

But  in  order  to  give  your  Reverences  a  proper  idea  of  the 
course  of  our  affairs,  we  shall  first  of  all  insert  an  extract  or 
narrative  from  Do.  Schlatter's  Journal  of  what  has  occurred 
since  the  end  of  April,  since  the  adjournment  of  our  Coetus 
at  which  the  2,523  guilders  received  by  us  were  distributed. 

Do.  Schlatter  informs  us  that  Dos.  Weiss  and  Leydich,  at 
his  fraternal  and  friendly  in^dtation,  paid  him  a  ^isit  in 
Philadelphia  on  May  29th,  when  just  by  chance  Do.  Du  Bois 
was  staying  with  him,  being  engaged  in  transcribing  the 
minutes  of  Coetus,  towards  whom  they  manifested  the 
greatest  friendliness,  expressing  to  him  their  sorrow  concern- 
ing the  several  differences  that  had  arisen,  and  proposing 
to  effect  a  general  peace,  declaring  as  before  God  that  they 
had  nothing  against  his  Reverence,  Do.  Schlatter,  nor  had 
written  anything  against  him  to  your  Reverences,  but  on  the 
contrary  disapproved  of  Do.  Rubel's  unwarranted  actions, 
and  were  decidedly  of  the  opinion  that  he  would  not  long  be 
able  to  maintain  himself. 

Whereupon  Dos.  Schlatter  and  Du  Bois  declared  that 
there  was  not  sufficient  ground  to  believe  their  seemingly 
sincere  protestations,  unless  with  a  good  conscience  and  cor- 
dially they  would  ratify  by  their  own  signatures  the  several 
Acts  of  our  several  Coetus  meetings  taken  in  their  absence. 

Thereupon  Do.  Schlatter  read  to  them  and  allowed  them 
to  read  all  the  aforesaid  Acts,  which  they  voluntarily  sub- 
scribed, only  making  the  exception  that  the  remark  made 
at  our  second  Coetus  (namely,  that  they  would  have  remained 

(91) 


92  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Steadfast  if  Do.  Schlatter  had  brought  with  him  a  well-filled 
purse  of  gold)  was  not  the  motive  that  made  them  leave  the 
Coetus,  but  that  they  had  left  only  to  maintain  love  and 
peace  among  their  congregations,  inasmuch  as  they  were  not 
in  favor  of  subordination  to  Holland  and  to  our  Coetal  insti- 
tutions and  directions. 

The  friendly  attitude  of  these  two  brethren  was  so  pleasing 
to  me,  that  of  my  own  accord  I  addressed  them,  after  the 
departure  of  Do.  Du  Bois,  as  follows :  "  I  think  I  can  observe 
that  your  purpose  is  peace,  and  it  seems  to  me  that,  to  my 
extreme  joy,  you  will  sincerely  seek  to  promote  the  well-being 
of  our  distressed  church  affairs  in  the  future.  For  this 
reason  I  shall  hand  to  each  of  you,  although  without  orders, 
ten  pounds  of  the  donations  on  account,  in  the  expectation 
that  you  will  take  no  advantage  (as  has  been  done  before) 
of  this  my  indulgence  and  sincere  love  towards  you." 
V/hereupon  they  indeed  accepted  the  money,  but  at  tlie  same 
time  demanded  a  larger  sum  from  me,  which  at  that  time  I 
had  to  refuse  for  various  reasons. 

On  July  10  I  received  an  esteemed  letter  from  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  dated  [April  2,  1753],*  wherein,  among 
other  things,  express  mention  was  made  that  those  who  under 
whatsoever  pretext  had  left  the  Coetus  must  go  without  the 
donations  until  further  orders  from  the  Rev.  Synods  and  the 
L'ev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  aforesaid.  A  few  days  afterwards 
I  received  a  letter  from  Do.  Leydich,  in  which  he  claimed  with 
all  seriousness  from  me  19  pounds  and  a  half  more  of  the 
donations,  and  this  being  refused,  the  above-mentioned  pre- 
tended love  grew  feeble,  and  he  and  Do.  Weiss  gave  me  to 
understand  that  they  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  me  if 
they  could  expect  no  more  money  from  me. 

Shortly  afterwards  I  received  several  letters  from  the  Rev. 
Deputies  and  from  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  among 
others  one  for  Do.  Weiss  and  one  for  Do.  Leydich.  The  first 
I  sent  away  at  once,  and  the  other  I  kept  until  the  arrival  of 
Do.  Leydich  (whom  I  expected  any  day,  as  by  promise  on  liis 
part) .  But  a  week  later  I  learned  that  he  had  spent  several 
days  in  Philadelphia  with  one  of  my  bitterest  enemies.     I 

*  A  copy  of  this  letter  is  still  in  existence,  Amst.,  Vol.  XXXT.,  p.  1. 


EE COEDS  OF  1753.  93 

sent  word  several  times  with  humble  request  that  he  w^ould 
come  to  me,  as  I  had  a  letter  for  him,  but  he  refused  to 
come  and  sent  for  the  letter.  But  it  happened  that  Do.  Stoy, 
of  Tuipehocken,  w^ho  the  Sunday  previous  had  preached  for 
me  here,  was  still  in  the  city  and  offered  to  bring  him  to  my 
house.  I  gave  him  the  letter  for  Do.  Leydich,  in  case  the 
Domine  would  not  accompany  him,  but  he  had  the  good  for- 
tune to  induce  Leydich,  though  with  great  difficulty,  to  come 
back  with  him. 

Here  I  must  not  forget,  in  passing,  to  mention  something 
which  might  be  explained  to  your  Reverences  possibly  to  my 
prejudice,  as  will  appear  from  the  following  conversation 
with  Do.  Leydich  in  the  presence  of  Do.  Stoy: 

"Brother  Leydich  an  (unintentional)  accident  or  mistake 
has  happened  to  your  letter  from  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  Synod, 
inasmuch  as  I  hurriedly  opened  it  for  my  own;  but  as 
you  see,  I  have  sealed  it  again  with  my  own  seal,  and  I 
am  ready  to  make  you  all  proper  apology  before  the  Synods, 
or  to  our  Coetus,  or  elsewhere."  "He  promised  with  hand 
and  by  mouth,  taking  God  to  witness,  not  to  think  evil 
of  me,  and  never  to  speak  of  it  to  anybody."  (But  before 
Do.  Leydich  left  Philadelphia  he  told  the  incident  of  the  said 
letter  to  Do.  Rubel,  who  cast  it  up  to  Do.  Stoy,  to  the  latter 's 
great  astonishment.)  After  that  I  had  a  very  pleasant  con- 
versation with  him  (Leydich),  but  at  the  same  time  informing 
him  (for  reasons  at  the  time  best  known  to  the  Rev.  Deputies 
and  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam  and  myself  alone)  that 
for  a  while  I  would  be  merely  an  onlooker,  and  would  have 
little  interest  in  Pennsylvanian  affairs,  but  would  expect  the 
well-being  of  the  same  to  be  promoted  by  others  better  than 
by  me. 

In  the  meantime  I  cannot  refrain  from  remarking  with  all 
humility,  that  the  letter  addressed  to  our  Coetus  by  the  Rev. 
Deputies  of  Synods,  and  enclosed  in  that  to  Do.  Leydich, 
has  made  Dos.  Weiss  and  Leydich  so  overbearing  and  obsti- 
nate that  the  dissension  and  distrust  between  the  brethren 
and  churches  has  been  greatly  increased  thereby;  and  Do. 
Leydich  assumed  to  have  orders  from  your  Reverences  to  call 
a  meeting  of  Coetus  in  spite  of  me,  and  imagined  himself, 
wdth  Dos.  Weiss,  Steiner  and  Rubel,  sustained  in  regard  to  the 


94  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

accusations  brought  the  preceding  year  before  your  Rever- 
ences against  our  Coetus,  myself  and  others.  Therefore  most 
of  the  brethren  were  invited  only  on  the  5th  of  September, 
after  it  was  too  late  for  them,  to  convene  on  the  10th  of  the 
same  month,  in  order  to  hold  a  Coetus  at  the  house  of  Do. 
Weiss.  On  the  10th  of  September,  being  the  day  set  for  the 
Coetus,  I  was  obediently  present  with  a  delegated  elder,  but 
was  received  very  coldly  and  contemptuously  by  the  assem- 
bly, especially  by  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich,  Steiner,  Rubel  and 
Waldschmidt.  I  took  the  liberty  to  inquire  where  all  the 
ministers  were,  inasmuch  as  Dos.  Rieger,  Lischy,  Otterbein, 
Wissler  and  Du  Bois  were  not  present.  I  received  a  cool 
reply,  and  in  regard  to  the  last,  Do.  Leydich  said:  "Who  can 
think  of  everything;  he  was  forgotten!"  On  the  other  hand 
Dos.  Steiner  and  Rubel  were  present,  each  accompanied  by 
two  stoutly-built  elders,  and  besides  there  were  present  sev- 
eral dozen  strange  elders  or  farmers. 

I  had  scarcely  been  a  quarter  of  an  hour  in  this  crowd  of 
people  w^hen  Do.  Rubel  and  some  others  began  to  attack  and 
abuse  me  bitterly,  so  tliat  I  was  compelled  to  declare  that  if  I 
was  only  summoned  to  be  abused,  scolded  and  slandered,  I 
would  prefer  to  return  home  immediately.  But  some  prom- 
ised me  freedom  from  attack  and  better  treatment,  until  I 
finally  saw  an  opportunity  to  submit  calmly  and  modestly 
that  I  must  enter  a  protest  against  such  an  irregular  Coetus, 
since  five  preachers,  and  therefore  the  half  of  the  qualified 
brethren,  were  absent ;  also  that  it  was  contrary  to  the  intent 
of  my  Rev.  Church  Fathers  in  Holland  that  more  elders  than 
preachers  should  have  a  seat  and  a  vote ;  and  finally  that  there 
were  certain  preachers  present  who  for  the  present  could  not 
})e  admitted  to  a  seat  and  a  vote.  The  following  reasons 
prevented  me  from  approving  this  Coetus  with  a  good  con- 
science : 

1.  Do.  Leydich  had  so  arranged  it  that  several  young 
preachers  should  stay  with  Do.  Weiss  and  himself  from  the 
5th  to  the  10th,  possibly  to  prejudice  them  against  me  and 
others. 

2.  The  10th  fell  upon  a  Monday,  and  most  of  the  ministers 
if  they  had  wished  to  be  present  at  the  appointed  time  would 
have  had  to  spend  Sunday  in  traveling,  and  to  neglect  their 
•congregations. 


BECOBDS  OF  1753.  95 

3.  Goshenlioppen  is  in  a  corner  of  the  country,  and  an 
inconvenient  locality  for  most  of  the  brethren,  since  some 
had  to  travel  almost  150  miles  or  more.  There  was  also  no 
pressing  occasion  for  such  a  meeting. 

4.  No  certificate  was  required  from  any  minister  or  elder, 
but  all  were  granted  a  seat  and  a  vote  without  distinction. 

5.  No  sermon  was  preached  or  prayer  offered,  no  president 
chosen  nor  a  secretary  appointed;  accordingly  pen,  ink  and 
paper  were  accounted  unnecessary  articles.  Nothing  but  a 
good-sized  bottle  of  wine  had  the  honor  to  stand  upon  the 
table  in  the  midst  of  the  reverend  brethren  above  mentioned. 
All  of  this  I,  seated  in  a  corner  of  the  room,  was  forced  vd\\\ 
sorrow  to  observe. 

6.  I  can  testify  that  I  did  not  hear  a  word  of  edifica- 
tion at  this  Coetus,  except  the  Synodical  letter  to  Do.  Ley- 
dich  which  was  opened  and  read.  In  a  word,  this  session 
was  opened  with  reproaches,  continued  with  quarrels  and 
offenses,  and  finished  with  provocation  and  slander,  so  that 
after  attending  it  for  two  or  three  hours,  with  Do.  Stoy  and 
others,  I  returned  home  again. 

But  before  my  departure  I  arranged  with  Dos.  Stoy,  Frank- 
enfeld,  Tempelmann  and  Wissler  (the  last  arriving  only  as 
we  were  leaving)  to  hold  our  regular  annual  Coetus  on  the 
last  Tuesday  of  the  same  month  at  Lancaster.  To  this  end 
I  wished  to  take  along  the  letter  to  our  Coetus,  in  order  that 
the  same  might  then  be  taken  into  proper  consideration  by 
our  absent  brethren,  but  the  letter  was  not  entrusted  to  me, 
and  Dos.  Rieger,  Lischy,  Otterbein  and  Du  Bois  have  never 
yet  seen  this  letter  of  Synod.  When  Dos.  AYeiss  and  Ley- 
dich  had  learned  that  the  regular  Coetus  was  appointed 
they  endeavored  to  prevent  the  same,  and  to  thwart  with 
all  their  power  our  good  intentions  of  sending  a  proper  reply 
to  the  Rev.  Deputies.  Immediately  after  Do.  Stoy,  myself 
and  others  had  left,  Do.  Weiss  was  chosen  president,  and  they 
arranged  to  hold,  in  spite  of  us,  a  so-called  Coetus  only  10 
miles  from  Lancaster,  in  an  inconvenient  locality,  at  Cocalico, 
and  but  14  days  after  the  authorized  day  fixed  by  themselves 
some  years  ago,*  so  that  thereby  a  division  was  caused,  and 

*  Cf.  Minutes  of  1748,  art.  1. 


96  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

some  of  the  youn^'  preachers  did  not  know  what  to  do, 
whether  they  should  attend  Coetus  on  the  25th  of  September 
or  the  9th  of  October. 

Meantime  I,  in  all  friendliness  and  brotherliness,  invited 
Dos.  Weiss  and  Leydich  to  come  to  Lancaster  on  the  25th 
(of  which  letter  a  copy  follows  here)  : 

''Although  some  time  ago  I  had  intended  to  let  aifaire  take 
their  own  course,  yet  they  began  to  take  such  an  unfortunate 
turn  that  I  could  no  longer  be  at  ease.  I  have  therefore 
consulted  with  Do.  Otterbein,  of  Lancaster,  and  others,  and 
Do.  Otterbein  w^as  requested  to  write  to  Do.  Weiss  about  as 
follows : 

"Although  it  was  our  duty  to  attend  our  regularly  ap- 
pointed annual  Coetus,  yet  we  were  willing  in  order  to  prevent 
great  confusion  and  offense  throughout  the  land  to  come  to 
them  to  Cocalico  on  certain  conditions,  namely,  that  it  be 
conducted  decently,  and  not  as  at  Goshenhoppen  at  Do. 
Weiss 's  house;  that  Do.  Weiss  for  the  time  being  could  not 
be  recognized  as  president ;  that  Rubel  and  such  a  large  num- 
ber of  elders  must  stay  away;  that  the  ministers  (if  possible) 
ought  first  of  all  to  come  together,  and  then  Coetus  could  be 
held  in  conjunction  with  the  elders  at  another  more  conve- 
nient time,  when  it  could  be  done  with  more  edification." 

FIRST    SESSION. 

But  since  from  a  letter  of  Do.  Weiss,  and  other  credible 
reports,  we  had  sufficient  evidence  that  the  conditions  men- 
tioned above  would  not  be  accepted,  we  assembled  this  day, 
and  for  fear  it  would  again  turn  out  to  be  a  Polish  Parlia- 
ment we  passed  the  following  resolution,  namely : 

Once  more  to  send  to  Cocalico  to  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich  and 
others  of  the  brethren,  prejudiced  by  deceit  and  unwarrant- 
able methods,  a  deputation  from  our  midst,  namely,  Dos.  Lis- 
chy,  Otterbein  and  Stoy,  with  two  calmly  disposed  elders,  and 
thus  anew  to  invite  the  same  to  accept  the  aforesaid  conditions, 
and  to  consider  dispassionately  w^hat  injury  and  harm  has 
already  been  done  by  their  personal  jealousy,  false  and  un- 
brotherly  conduct,  and  might  still  be  expected;  and  that  they 
might  have  in  view,  out  of  love  to  God  and  his  heritage, 
their  own  best  interests,  to  come  over  to  us  to  Lancaster,  to 


BE  COEDS  OF  1753.  97 

help  us  promote,  under  God's  guidance,  with  one  aim  the 
best  interests  of  the  brotherhood  and  of  the  declining  state 
of  the  church.  But  alas,  all  was  in  vain.  Our  deputa- 
tion was  verj^  coldly  received  and  subjected  to  unbrotherly 
treatment.  It  seemed  as  if  they  were  hardened  and  blinded 
by  Satan,  since  they  would  not  even  listen  to  wholesome  pro- 
posals, but  showed  themselves  filled  with  anger,  pride,  wilful- 
ness and  desire  to  rule,  appealing  to  your  Reverences'  orders, 
by  virtue  of  which  they  claimed  that  Do.  "Weiss  was  ap- 
pointed president.  Besides  Steiner,  Rubel  and  about  30 
or  more  farmers  were  present,  who  (talking  most  overbear- 
ingly) prevented  our  deputies  from  having  any  private  con- 
versation with  one  or  other  of  the  ministers,  and  abused 
them  and  also  the  rest  of  us.  Taking  all  this  into  considera- 
tion, after  the  return  of  the  aforesaid  brethren,  we  deliberated 
as  to  whether  it  would  be  practicable  or  advantageous  if  we  all 
should  betake  ourselves  thither  in  a  body  (according  to  the 
promise  of  one  of  our  delegates,  who  had  taken  it  upon  himself 
to  persuade  the  others  thereto),  but  we  have  unanimously 
decided  not  to  meet  with  them,  or  for  the  time  being  have 
any  communication  with  them,  since  we  are  profoundly  con- 
"v^nced  that  they  are  violating  j^our  Reverences'  orders,  are 
frustrating  through  lack  of  judgment  the  well-being  of  our 
Coetus  in  particular,  and  the  upbuilding  and  edification  of 
our  churches  in  general,  and  are  seeking  to  bring  themselves 
into  conflict  with  us.  AYe  could,  in  our  judgment,  do  noth- 
ing more  as  Christian  men,  except  send  them  one  more 
friendly  but  earnest  letter,  which,  however,  was  not  well 
received  by  them. 

SECOND  SESSION. 

Subsequently,  after  prayers  on  the  subject,  we  took  under 
consideration  what  it  would  be  our  duty  to  report  to  your 
Reverences  in  these  dark  and  soul-trying  circumstances.  We 
must  confess,  Rev.  Fathers,  that  we  are  ashamed  to  commu- 
nicate such  disagreeable  and  distressing  accounts.  Never- 
theless we  shall  make  known  to  you  the  true  condition  of 
affairs  just  as  they  are,  and  humbly  pray  and  expect  from 
you  well  tried  remedies,  as  from  our  physicians,  whereby  the 
wounds  and  divisions  of  our  Coetus  may  be  healed,  and 
7 


98  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

the  breaches  of  our  Zion  be  repaired,  and  we  at  the  same 
time  be  cheered  by  our  prayerful  and  careful  Fathers,  so 
greatly  inclined  to  pity,  from  whom  we  confidently  expect 
good  counsel,  effectual  support  and  real  help.  Thus  we  take 
the  liberty  to  submit  to  your  Reverences  the  following  for 
consideration : 

1.  It  appears  to  us  very  distressing  when  we  reflect  (hav- 
ing to  deal  with  the  poverty  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  miser- 
able condition  of  the  ignorant  peasantry  among  whom  we 
have  to  struggle  without  having  any  established  authority, 
as  in  the  Fatherland),  that  it  pleases  your  Reverences 
to  treat  such  ministers  as  have  caused  and  still  continue 
public  schism,  "wdth  equal  consideration  as  ourselves,  who 
endeavor  tQ  conduct  ourselves  strictly  according  to  church 
order;  that  you  honor  them  as  brethren  by  your  Reverend 
letters,  of  which  they  openly  boast  before  the  lawless  and 
independent  people,  throwing  suspicion  upon  us  and  pre- 
tending that  you  approve  of  their  actions  and  condemn  us. 
Especially  since  your  Reverences  in  your  letter  to  us  have  not 
seen  fit  to  communicate  to  us  any  direct  and  definite  decision 
regarding  their  unwarranted  actions  violating  the  80th  article 
of  our  Church-Order.* 

2.  It  seems  strange  to  us  (w^hen  one  or  another  of  the 
brethren  is  accused  behind  his  back  by  private  letters  not 
authorized  by  Coetus)  that  your  Reverences  can  consent  to 
accept  such  accusations  as  well  founded,  and  without  delaj^  or 
any  defense,  place  the  accused  in  the  wrong,  or  indeed  con- 
demn him  utterly,  not  taking  account  of  the  persons,  whether 
they  may  not  advance  the  accusations  for  personal  reasons, 
or  whether  they  are  faithful  members  of  our  Coetus,  and 

*  The  eightieth  article  of  the  Church-Order  of  the  Synod  of  Dort 
reads : 

"Further,  among  the  grave  sins,  which  deserve  to  be  punished  with 
Buspension  or  deposition  from  the  ministry,  these  are  the  most  note- 
worthy, false  doctrine  or  heresy,  creation  of  schism,  flagrant  blasphemy, 
simony,  faithless  abandonment  of  one's  service,  or  invasion  into  the 
field  of  another  minister,  perjury,  adultery,  theft,  habitual  drunkenness, 
in  short,  all  those  grave  offenses  which  cause  their  author  to  lose  all 
respect  before  the  world  and  are  deemed  worthy  of  excommunication  in 
case  of  an  ordinary  member  of  the  church."  Edition  of  Rotterdam, 
1733,  pp.  39  f. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1753.  99 

v\'ell- wishers  of  your  Reverences,  and  of  the  state  of  our  Penn- 
sylvania churches.  (See  the  private  letter  to  Do.  Schlatter.) 
Bear  with  us,  Rev.  Fathei-^,  that  we  in  singleness  of  heart, 
yet  not  without  courage,  must  declare  and  once  for  all  inform 
you  that,  you  doing  thus,  we  shall  not  be  able  to  maintain 
church  order  and  discipline,  nor  to  uphold  our  Coetus,  nor  our 
reputation,  nor  to  expect  any  fruit  from  our  labors  among  the 
churches.  But  we  see  ourselves  compelled  to  testify  without 
reserve  that  we  will  have  to  pack  our  goods  and,  like  foolish 
and  useless  servants,  seek  our  bread  behind  the  plow  [become 
farmers],  or  in  places  where  we  may  expect  better  results, 
for  there  will  never  be  a  lack  of  one  or  more  ambitious  or 
envious  persons,  without  conscience,  who  wdll  undertake  to 
build  upon  the  ruins  of  another,  if  it  costs  no  more  trouble 
than  to  send  a  couple  of  letters  full  of  unfounded  accusations 
behind  one's  back  to  Europe,  and  if  with  such  they  can 
attain  their  object,  and  are  able  to  find  welcome  and  credence. 
Who  of  us  would  be  able,  with  or  without  a  family,  to  sleep 
in  peace  or  minister  to  his  church,  if  those  who  have  done 
real  service  and  given  tried  proofs  of  their  care  and  love  for 
the  poor  Pennsylvania  churches,  are  exposed  to  suddenly 
falling  into  disfavor  and  disgrace? 

3.  Your  Reverences  informed  us  in  the  letter  to  our  Coetus, 
sent  with  Do.  Schlatter  the  previous  year,  that  he  had  ac- 
cused no  one  either  before  the  Rev.  Synods  or  before  your 
Reverences,  but  that  he  had  laid  the  affairs  before  you  in  the 
best  possible  form,  flattering  himself  with  the  good  hope  that 
one  or  another  would  come  to  their  senses  and  be  convinced 
that  their  best  interests  are  cared  for.  But  we  are  now  forced 
unitedly  in  our  own  defense  to  report  the  following : 

a.  Do.  Weiss  has  not  been  loyal  for  the  last  three  years  in 
his  subordination  to  your  Reverences  nor  to  our  Coetus,  but 
has  claimed  (like  the  rebellious  people  at  Philadelphia)  to  be 
independent  with  his  congregation,  and  were  it  not  for  the 
donations  would  trouble  himself  little  about  your  Reverences, 
since  he  had  not  by  any  means  faithfully  conducted  the  ser- 
vices for  Do.  Schlatter  in  his  absence  (as  is  proved  by  the  let- 
ter addressed  to  your  Reverences  by  Dos.  Leydich  and  Lischy 
in  the  year  1751)  until  he  heard  that  Do.  Schlatter  had  secured 
something  profitable.     Further,  he  would  have  no  scruples 


100  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

to  intrude  upon  the  neighboring  congregation  of  Do.  John 
Frielinghuysen  *  had  he  not  been  restrained  by  one  special 
reason  or  another.  Finally  he  shows  such  unheard  of  incon- 
sistency, that  he  will  in  one  hour  oppose  something  which  in 
the  next  he  adopts  and  subscribes,  as  appeai-s  from  the  reso- 
lutions taken  by  our  Coetus  against  Do.  Leydich,  which  he 
readily  signed  and  approved. 

b.  Regarding  Do.  Leydich.  Ever  since  he  came  to  this  coun- 
try he  has  gone  into  the  three  congregations  in  New  Jersey, 
namely,  Amwell,  Rockaway  and  Foxhill,  which  were  at  that 
time  served  by  Do.  Schlatter,  and,  unknown  to  Do.  Schlatter, 
administered  the  Holy  Sacraments.  And  because  Do.  Schlat- 
ter rebuked  this  irregularity,  submitting  that  it  was  not 
fraternal  to  take  away  the  small  remuneration  which  had 
hitherto  come  to  him  from  these  congregations.  Do.  Leydich 
was  so  much  offended  by  it  that  since  that  time  he  has  told 
some  of  us  that  he  had  taken  a  just  dislike  to  Do.  Schlatter. 

He  has  also  attempted  to  secure  a  call  to  the  aforesaid  con- 
gregations, but  because  they  could  not  get  the  call  (according 
to  his  desire)  signed  and  ratified  by  Do.  Du  Bois  at  New 
York,  and  only  called  him  for  ten  years,  the  affair  came  to 
nothing.  Meantime  these  three  congregations  were  thrown 
thereby  into  great  confusion,  and  Rockaway  alone  is  now 
served  by  Do.  J.  C.  Wirts,  of  w^hom  mention  is  made  in  Do. 
Schlatter's  printed  journal,  pp.  11  and  23,**  who  through 
the  aid  of  Dos.  Weiss  and  Leydich  was  ordained  by  an  English 
Presbytery  ***  while  Do.  Schlatter  was  in  Europe. 

Another  thing  which  may  give  some  light  to  your  Rever- 
ences in  these  confused  circumstances,  is  that  Do.  Leydich  con- 
stantly allows  himself  to  be  guided  and  directed  by  certain 
ambitious  and  obstinate  elders  (who  are  influential  with  Do. 
Schlatter's  sworn  enemies  at  Philadelphia).  They  have 
helped  him  to  obtain  possession  of  a  piece  of  land  of  nearly 
200  acres,  having  loaned,  or  at  least  secured  for  him,  the 
necessary  money.     For  this  reason  he  must  carry  out  what- 

*  John  Frielinghuysen  ^\'as  pastor  at  Earitan,  Six  Mile  Run,  etc.,  N.  J., 
from  1750-1754. 

**  See  life  of  M.  Schlatter,  by  Dr.  H.  Harbaugh,  pp.  137  and  162. 
***  The  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  on  June  5,  1752. 


EECOEDS  OF  1753.  101 

ever  comes  into  their  heads,  and  especially  oppress  and  per- 
secute those  who  will  not  be  the  slaves  of  these  elders.  Hence 
Do.  Schlatter  and  we  must  be  thwarted  in  all  our  efforts. 

It  is  also  very  strange  to  us  that  these  two  gentlemen  have 
made  no  mention  to  you  of  the  receipt  of  the  50  fl.  [florins- 
guilders]  from  Do.  Schlatter,  although  the  following  receipt 
was  given  by  Do.  Weiss 's  own  hand : 

Philadelphia,  August  13,  1752. 

Eeceived  by  order  of  Eev.  Christian  Synods  of  Holland, 
from  Do.  Schlatter,  immediately  upon  his  arrival,  Fifty 
Guilders.  George  Michael  Weiss. 

On  the  same  day  of  the  aforesaid  month  received  the  same 
amount.  J.  P.  Leidig, 

J.  J.  LiSCHY. 

We  can  pass  over  many  other  things  with  silence,  since  the 
above  will  sufficiently  show  their  character  and  conscience. 

In  one  word  we  can  declare,  if  Dos.  Weiss  and  Leydich, 
on  the  arrival  of  Do.  Schlatter,  had  not  played  into  the 
hands  of  his  enemies,  and  through  fear  of  men  proved  false 
to  Do.  Schlatter  and  made  common  cause  with  Do.  Rubel, 
neither  Rubel  nor  the  rebellious  people  at  Philadelphia  would 
have  dared  to  behave  in  such  an  irregular  manner,  and  this 
banner  of  independence  would  not  have  unfurled  itself 
through  the  land  to  the  injury  of  the  brethren  and  of  both 
Lutheran  and  Reformed  congregations. 

Meanwhile  it  is  for  us  all,  but  especially  for  Do.  Schlatter, 
very  distressing  that  we  must  inform  your  Reverences  that 
most  of  the  new  ministers  are  so  inconsistent  that  now  for  some 
weeks  they  appear  to  be  in  league  with  Do.  Weiss,  etc.  Pos- 
sibly the  following  circumstances  have  caused  this :  Do.  Wald- 
schmidt  is  of  an  ambitious  and  avaricious  temperament.  What 
the  results  of  these  two  qualities  are  is  known  to  your  Rever- 
ences without  demonstration ;  to  which  must  be  added  that  he 
has  had  little  of  an  education,  and  secured  an  opportunity 
to  study  only  after  his  20th  year.  For  a  long  time  it  was 
hard  to  speak  with  him  about  Dos.  Lischy,  Rieger  and  others, 
because  they  took  Do.  Schlatter's  part,  who  could  not  or 
would  not  admit  that  wheat  and  oats  might  pass  as  emolu- 
ments of  a  minister,  since  a  self-interested  minister  might 
change  all  that  he  had  to  expect  from  his  congregations  into 


102  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

such  products,  and  then  might  claim  450  guilders  from  the 
Holland  donations.  It  also  pleases  him  to  look  upon  the 
rest  of  us  with  contempt,  because  he  also  expects  a  Ifetter 
from  your  Reverences,  and  on  this  account  has  taken  sides 
with  Dos.  Weiss  and  Leydich,  and  has  bought  a  piece  of  land 
of  more  than  100  acres. 

Do.  Wissler  has  also  bought  a  farm,  but  to  our  great  sorrow, 
lives  on  bad  terms  with  his  wife,  and  is  given  to  habitual 
drunkenness. 

Do.  Frankenfeld  is  no  less  addicted  to  excessive  drinking, 
so  that  we  are  afraid  he  will  labor  among  his  congregations 
with  but  little  Messing  if  he  does  not  change.  AVe  hope,  and 
pray  to  God,  he  may  change. 

The  last  two  probably  look  forward  to  a  well-deserved 
rebuke  by  the  Coetus,  and  hence  have  gone  over  to  Dos. 
Weiss  and  Leydich  in  order  to  escape,  since  irregularities 
are  approved  by  them,  for  Dos.  Steiner  and  Rubel  (with  Avhom 
no  conscientious  person  before  this  time  would  associate) 
are?  among  them  the  best  of  brethren. 

THIRD   SESSION. 

Do.  Schlatter,  by  virtue  of  the  letter  addressed  to  him  in 
the  spring  by  your  Reverences  and  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, requested  his  dismissal  from  our  Coetus,  in  order  to  be 
relieved  from  service  in  this  country.  It  is  not  very  difficult 
for  us  to  predict  what  will  be  the  consequences  of  Brother 
Schlatter's  dismissal  and  departure.  Yet  we  cannot  compel 
him  to  struggle  any  longer  among  us  in  a  work  that  is  re- 
warded with  ingratitude,  but  can  only  reluctantly  consent 
to  his  dismissal;  rather  we  are  in  duty  bound  to  give  him  a 
good  testimonial,  according  to  our  best  knowledge,  as  to  his 
zeal  and  faithful  service  rendered  to  us  and  the  country, 
that  he  may  be  able  to  gain  his  livelihood  wherever  the  Lord^ 
may  be  pleased  to  send  him.  Further,  Do.  Schlatter  begs 
to  be  relieved  in  the  future  from  receiving  the  donations 
intended  for  Pennsylvania,  although  he  handed  over  to  the 
disposition  of  our  Coetus  the  fl.  2,523,  Holland  currency,  sent 
by  your  Reverences  to  us,  to  our  complete  satisfaction,  three 
days  after  its  receipt,  in  a  friendly  and  brotherly  way  and 
in  all  fidelity,  as  can  be  seen  from  the  Minutes  recording  this 


BE  COEDS  OF  1753. 


103 


transaction  in  April  last,  and  which,  as  was  incumbent  upon 
us,  were  sent  over  to  your  Reverences  during  the  month  of 
May.  Meanwhile  we  trust  that  in  time  faithful  and  loyal 
brethren  who  seek  to  maintain  your  Reverences'  instructions 
and  the  lawful  Coetus  established  by  Do.  Schlatter,  in  the 
face  of  so  much  opposition,  may  not  be  ignored  henceforth, 
but  the  receipt  and  distribution  of  moneys  be  entrusted  to 
them.  This,  it  seems,  to  us,  excepting  God's  guidance  and 
his  converting  grace,  will  be  the  powerful  means  of  bringing 
the  wavering  to  repentance,  those  deserving  punishment  to 
tears,  the  thoughtless  to  their  senses,  and  the  schismatic  to 
peacefulness,  or,  if  necessary  we  shall  thereby  be  delivered 
from  them. 

Do.  Schlatter  has  further  communicated  to  us  the  above- 
mentioned  letter,  from  which  we  learned  with  astonishment 
how  he  was  accused  before  your  Reverences  so  undeservedly 
(being  altogether  innocent)  by  several  unfaithful  and  false 
ministers  behind  his  back  and  ours,  to  the  injury  of  us  all, 
which  seemed  to  us  so  distressing  that  we  resolved  without 
Do.  Schlatter's  knowledge  to  defend  him  before  your  Rever- 
ences, and  at  the  same  time  to  confirm  his  own  defense,  which 
he  had  already  sent  to  you  during  the  preceding  month,  and 
now  having  been  subscribed  by  us,  is  again  about  to  be  sent 
to  you.  Among  other  things  we  can  not  refrain  from  re- 
marking that  we  do  not  take  Do.  Schlatter's  part  merely 
to  please  him,  or  from  personal  interest.  But  we  are  able 
with  a  good  conscience,  and  find  ourselves  even  obliged,  to 
bear  witness,  that  Do.  Schlatter  has  conducted  himself  per- 
fectly in  accordance  with  your  Reverences'  intentions,  and 
has  made  himself  liable  to  none  of  those  accusations  whereof 
he  seems  to  be  suspected  by  your  Reverences  through  the 
above-mentioned  letters : 

1.  Inasmuch  as  he  has  refused  to  the  elders  neither  a  voice 
nor  a  seat,  until  your  written  injunctions  had  given  him 
occasion  to  do  so;  moreover,  he  has  always  acted  in  conjunc- 
tion with  us. 

2.  In  no  way  did  he  force  himself  upon  the  Philadelphia 
people,  but  Do.  Rubel  is  the  chief  cause  (as  we  are  perfectly 
convinced)  of  the  division  there,  as  appears  from  the  various 
minutes  of  our  Coetus. 


104  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

3.  We  know  of  no  superintendency,  pre-eminence  or  un- 
usual superior  lordship,  wherewith  Do.  Schlatter  should  have 
shown  himself  among  us,  or  whereof  he  made  himself  guilty. 

4.  Much  less  has  he  ever  given  any  evidences  of  forcing 
himself  upon  our  Coetus,  as  stated,  as  continuous  president 
(Praeses  perpetuus).  On  the  contrary,  at  every  meeting  he 
has  resigned  the  presidency  of  his  own  accord,  but  our  confi- 
dence in  him  has  caused  him  always  again  to  accept  the  office, 
the  same  as  Do.  Stoy  the  office  of  secretary.  But  at  this 
meeting  we  could  in  no  way  persuade  them  thereto,  and  Do. 
Rieger  was  chosen  president,  and  Do.  Otterbein  secretary. 
In  passing  permit  a  brief  remark,  namely,  that  this  and  other 
accusations  have  sprung  simply  from  malice,  since  Do.  Stoy 
has  been  secretary  (without  being  accused)  as  long  as  Do. 
Schlatter  was  president. 

5.  Do.  Schlatter  has  done  with  the  Bibles  exactly  as  your 
orders  required,  which  did  not  reach  him  till  eight  months 
after  the  Bibles  were  received. 

6.  AVith  regard  to  the  collected  money  of  Reiff  we  pity 
Brother  Schlatter,  who  must  constantly  bear  the  blame  of  the 
imprudence  committed  by  Do.  Weiss  in  connection  therewith 
20  years  ago,  and  is  repeatedly  slandered  and  abused  as  a 
deceiver,  and  we  Imow  not  what  else.  Further,  if  your  Rev- 
erences were  better  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  of  the 
country  and  the  irregular  conduct  of  certain  ministers,  it 
would  certainly  commend  itself  to  your  Reverences  to  com- 
municate the  letters  intended  for  private  persons  to  our 
Coetus,  and  prevent  thereby  a  harmful  use  being  made  of 
them.  We  also  beg  and  request  you  most  humbly  to  send 
back  to  us  certified  copies  of  the  letters,  accusing  Do.  Schlatter 
and  others,  from  Dos.  Leydich,  Weiss,  Steiner  and  Rubel. 

With  reference  to  the  elders,  we  wish  as  yet  for  some  time 
to  be  allowed  to  have  the  privilege  of  holding  Coetus  without 
them,  because  their  presence  occasions  expenses  and  some- 
times even  disturbance  in  the  congregations  (regarding  the 
pastor's  salary),  or  even  a  peasant  war,  inasmuch  as  ignorant 
farmers  have  as  much  or  even  more  to  say  than  the  ministers 
themselves  in  these  sad  times,  when  church  discipline  by  the 
very  misconduct  of  certain  ministers  is  set  aside.  Otherwise 
it  would  be  no  trouble  for  us  to  get  30  or  40  elders  together 


BE  COBB  S  OF  1753.  105 

to  confirm  what  we  have  written.  Hence  we  have  the  bold- 
ness to  warn  your  Reverences  most  respectfully  that  the  large 
number  of  signers  is  no  warrant  that  what  is  written  is  true, 
since  it  frequently  happens  that  many  are  induced  to  sub- 
scribe what  they  can  neither  read  nor  understand. 

In  conclusion,  we  modestly  make  known  to  your  Reverences 
that  we  are  entirely  resolved  to  abide  by  your  orders,  and  thus 
also  from  this  time  forth  shall  hold  no  more  Coetus,  nor 
labor  towards  effecting  any  general  reunion  with  the  oppos- 
ing brethren,  and  so  forth,  unless  we  shall  have  special  in- 
structions to  do  so  from  your  Reverences  and  the  Rev.  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  and  from  them  learn  what  we  are  to  do  ^vith 
the  above-mentioned  weak  or  disorderly  brethren.  We 
patiently  await  how  we  ought  and  should  conduct  ourselves 
in  these  deplorable  circumstances. 

Jac.  Lischy,  Minister  at  York,  Kreutz  Creek,  Bermudian 
and  Codorus. 

H.  W.  Stoy,  V.  D.  M.  at  Tulpehocken. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  RIVAL  COETUS,  HELD  AT 
COCALICO,  OCTOBER  10-12,  1753. 

(Hague  74,  i.  83.) 

Very  Rev.,  Learned  and  Honorable  Sirs,  much  beloved 
Church  Fathers  of  the  renowned  Synods  of  North  and 
South  Holland: 

In  submission  to  your  Reverences,  we,  your  humble  ser- 
vants, have  observed  our  duty,  obediently  to  convey  to  your 
Reverences  the  minutes  of  our  Coetus  held  at  Cocalico,  the 
10th,  11th  and  12th  of  October,  of  this  year,  and  the  most 
submissive  answer  to  your  Reverences'  most  honored  Sj^nod- 
ical  letter,  which  was  publicly  and  plainly  read  in  our  assem- 
bly and  taken  to  heart ;  not  doubting  but  that  altogether  they 
will  be  favorably  accepted  by  your  Reverences.  After  a  very 
edifying  sermon  on  1  Peter  ii.  5,  by  Do.  Weiss,  Pres.  p.  t, 
our  Coetus  was  opened,  when,  after  invoking  the  name  of  God 
in  the  several  sessions,  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted : 

1.  With  regard  to  the  congregation  at  Philadelphia.  Al- 
though we  observed,  from  the  pledge  in  Do.  Schlatter's  own 
handwriting,  that  his  Reverence  had  left  the  congregation 
at  Philadelphia  free  to  receive  him  on  his  return  as  their 
pastor,  or  not  to  receive  him,  nevertheless  at  our  Coetus,  in 
order  to  remove  all  offense,  and  to  prevent  all  disorder  in  the 
future,  for  the  promotion  of  the  honor  of  God,  for  the  up- 
building of  the  Church  and  the  restoration  of  the  general 
peace,  it  was  unanimously  resolved  that  both  congregations 
at  Philadelphia,  alas,  hitherto  separated  from  each  other, 
should  again  unite  in  the  spirit  of  love,  and  by  the  majority 
of  votes  choose  for  their  pastor  one  recommended  and  ac- 
cepted by  your  Reverences,  and  recognized  as  a  member  of  our 
Coetus,  outside  of  which  we  recognize  no  other  lawful  pastor 
for  the  congregation  at  Philadelphia.  To  this  end  our  presi- 
dent, as  well  as  other  brethren,  have  offered  their  services, 
to  go  down  at  any  time  at  the  desire  of  the  congregation 
and  hold  an  election. 

2.  With  regard  to  the  congregation  at  Germantown.     It 

(106) 


4 
HE  COEDS  OF  1753.  3()7 

gave  us  particular  satisfaction  in  our  Coetus  to  receive  both 
from  Do.  Conrad  Steiner  (who  has  expressed  his  regret  over 
what  took  place  at  Philadelphia)  and  from  his  elder,  ]\Ir.  Paul 
Geissel,  in  the  name  of  the  congregation  at  Germantown, 
their  proposal  and  request  to  be  recommended  to  your  Rev- 
erences, and  to  be  received  as  members  of  our  Coetus,  and  to 
become  subordinate  thereto.  They  also  request  to  have  a  part 
in  the  subsidies,  being  in  great  need.  After  careful  deliber- 
ation we  accepted  their  Christian  petition,  and  deemed  it 
prudent  to  recognize  and  accept  them  henceforth  as  members 
of  our  Coetus,  and  have  a  part  in  the  subsidies  Avith  the 
understanding  that  the  congregation  at  Germantown  should 
be  combined  with  another  congregation.  For  this  reason 
we  recommend  them  most  heartily  to  your  Reverences. 

3.  As  regards  the  200  guilders,  which  are  said  to  be  in  the 
hands  of  Do.  Schlatter,  of  the  money  collected  by  Reiff,  we 
have  resolved  in  our  Coetus  that  of  this,  100  guilders  should 
be  given  to  Germantown,  and  100  guilders  to  Skippack,  in 
accordance  wdth  the  definite  instruction  of  your  Reverences. 

4.  Upon  the  petition  made  by  elder  Abraham  Sayler  to 
our  Coetus,  in  the  name  of  the  congregation  at  Pro^ddence 
(which  until  the  present  was  regularly  served  by  Do.  Leydich 
every  four  weeks),  whether  an  arrangement  could  not  be 
made  whereby  the  congregation  there  could  be  supplied  every 
fortnight.  Our  Coetus  has  considered  it  advantageous  to 
supply  the  congregation  at  Providence  in  turn,  both  by  Do. 
Leydich  and  by  Do.  Steiner.  In  accordance  with  this  ar- 
rangement divine  ser^dces  will  be  held  every  two  weeks  at 
Providence. 

5.  Because  the  congregation  across  the  Schuylkill  *  is  in 
the  same  condition  as  the  church  at  Providence,  therefore  we 
have  resolved  in  our  Coetus  that  the  congregation  across  the 
Schuylkill  shall  be  supplied  in  like  manner  as  the  congrega- 
tion at  Providence. 

6.  In  the  judgment  of  our  Coetus,  the  congregation  at 
White  Oaks  can  be  combined  with  the  congregation  at  Bas- 
tian  Reyer's,  and  be  supplied  by  Do.  Waldschmidt. 

*  This  must  be  East  Vincent,  in  Chester  Co.,  because  Coventry,  now 
Brownbaek 's,  was  served  in  1753  by  Fred.  Casimir  Mueller,  as  is  shovrn 
by  the  church  records. 


108  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

.  7.  In  answer  to  the  proposition  made  in  our  Coetus  to 
acknowledge  and  consider  as  a  regular  minister,  according 
to  our  Church-Order,  Frederick  Casimir  Mueller  (he  is  a 
man  leading  a  very  offensive  life,  who  has  thrust  himself 
into  the  ministry  and  has  caused  much  confusion  in  this 
country),  we  in  our  Coetus  have  unanimously  decided  in  the 
negative,  with  the  additional  warning  (to  the  congregations) 
to  be  on  their  guard  against  such  a  man. 

8.  Our  Coetus  ha\ang  well  taken  into  consideration  all  the 
circumstances  of  the  congregation  at  York,  across  the  Sus- 
quehanna, which  has  sadly  declined  on  account  of  Do.  Lischy, 
has  considered  it  necessary,  in  order  to  remove  all  confusion 
and  to  promote  the  upbuilding  of  the  congregation  there,  to 
direct  Do.  Tempelmann  and  Do.  Waldschmidt  to  preside  at 
the  election,  to  be  held  by  the  congregation  for  a  pastor  on 
the  17th  of  October  of  this  year,  1753,  by  a  majority  of  votes, 
and  that  only  such  a  one  may  be  accepted  by  the  congrega- 
tion as  its  pastor  who  shall  be  a  lawful  member  of  our  Coetus 
in  submission  to  your  Reverences. 

Specifications  of  the  salaries  of  each  of  the  ministers  in 
Pennsylvania,  who  with  their  elders  appeared  at  the  Coetus 
at  Cocalico  by  the  special  direction  of  your  Reverences,  and 
voted,  namely: 

Do.  Leydich,  who  serves  Falkner's  Swamp  (being  the 
earliest  Reformed  congregation  founded  in  Pennsylvania) 
and  Providence,  as  well  as  Schuylkill,  receives,  according 
to  the  subscriptions  of  the  members  of  his  congregations, 
altogether  a  salary  of  40  pounds. 

Do.  Rubel,  who,  upon  confessing  his  hasty  actions,  has  been 
accepted  as  a  member  of  our  Coetus,  receives  as  a  yearly 
salary  from  his  congregation  at  Philadelphia,  according  to 
the  subscriptions,  50  pounds. 

The  congregation  at  Germantown,  combined  with  Witpen 
or  Providence,  raises  for  the  support  of  its  minister.  Do. 
Steiner,  40  pounds. 

Do.  Weiss  gets  for  his  yearly  salary  from  his  congregations 
at  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen,  and  at  Great  Swamp,  40 
pounds. 

The  congregations  at  Egypt,  Jordan  and  Heidelberg,  being 
served  by  Do.  Wissler,  contribute  as  a  salary  35  pounds. 


RECORDS  OF  1753.  109 

The  congregations  at  Cocalico,  Seltenreich  and  Muddy 
Creek,  contribute  for  their  minister,  Do.  AValdschmidt,  35 
pounds. 

Do.  Tempelmann  receives  as  a  yearly  salary  from  his  united 
congregations  at  Swatara,  Quittopehilla,  Tolpehille  and 
Rufack,   [Rapho],  25  pounds. 

Fredericktown  and  Conococheague  contribute  yearly  as 
salary  for  their  pastor,  Do.  Frankenfeld,  40  pounds. 

These  ministers,  just  named,  have  received  both  in  money 
and  Bibles  from  the  hands  of  Do.  Schlatter,  according  to 
the  receipts  given  to  him,  with  all  gratitude  from  the  dona- 
tions graciously  bestowed  upon  us,  the  following  amounts : 

Do.  Leydich  has  received  in  money  10  pounds  and  16  shil- 
lings; in  Bibles,  18  Basle  folio  Bibles  and  12  Herborn  octavo 
Bibles;  3  folio  Bibles  serve  for  the  use  of  the  congregations 
on  the  pulpits,  15  have  been  sold  by  order  of  Do.  Schlatter 
at  10  shillings  apiece,  and  5  pounds  thereof  have  been  given 
to  the  school-teacher  of  the  church  at  Falkner's  Swamp;  the 
other  money  for  the  Bibles  is  still  in  the  hands  of  those  to 
whom  the  Bibles  were  sold.  The  Herborn  octavo  Bibles  were 
given  away. 

Do.  Rubel  has  not  received  from  Do.  Schlatter  either  any 
money  or  any  Bibles,  although  he  asked  for  both. 

Do.  Steiner  similarly  has  not  received  the  least  contribution 
from  Do.  Schlatter,  although  he  made  a  request  of  Do. 
Schlatter  for  a  contribution. 

Do.  Weiss  has  received  from  Do.  Schlatter  in  money  10 
pounds  and  16  shillings;  in  Bibles,  24  Basle  folio  Bibles,  of 
which  he  sold  12  by  direction  of  Do.  Schlatter  at  10  shillings 
apiece,  the  money  being  given  to  Do.  Schlatter  at  his  desire ; 
the  other  12  were  given  away  and  placed  upon  pulpits. 

Do.  Wissler  has  received  from  Do.  Schlatter  only  in  money 
one  pound,  two  shillings  and  six  pence. 

Do.  Waldschmidt  has  received  from  Do.  Schlatter  in  money 
27  pounds  and  10  shillings;  in  Bibles,  30  Basle  folio  Bibles 
and  7  Herborn  octavo  Bibles,  of  which  20  Basle  folio  Bibles, 
at  10  shillings  apiece,  were  sold  by  order  of  Do.  Schlatter, 
and  the  money  given  to  him  at  his  desire,  but  the  remainder 
of  the  large  folio  Bibles  and  all  the  small  Herborn  Bibles 
were  given  away,  and  placed  upon  pulpits. 


110  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Do.  Tempelmann  has  received  in  money  6  pounds;  in  Bibles, 
24  Basle  folio  Bibles  and  12  Herborn  octavo  Bibles ;  12  Basle 
folio  Bibles  were  sold  by  order  of  Do.  Schlatter  at  10  shil- 
lings apiece,  and  the  money  was  given  to  him  at  his  desire. 
The  remainder  of  the  large  folio  Bibles  and  all  the  small  Her- 
born octavo  Bibles  were  given  away,  and  placed  upon  pulpits. 

Do  Frankenfeld  has  received  from  Do.  Schlatter  in  money 
20  pounds;  in  Bibles,  12  Basle  folio  Bibles  and  24  Herborn 
octavo  Bibles,  of  which  8  Basle  folio  Bibles  were  sold,  per 
order  of  Do.  Schlatter,  at  10  shillings  apiece,  and  3  pounds 
given  to  the  schoolmaster  Dupper  [Tauber],*  but  the  balance 
is  still  in  the  congregation.  All  the  Herborn  octavo  Bibles, 
together  with  the  remaining  Basle  Bibles,  were  given  away, 
and  placed  in  pulpits. 

The  150  guilders  generously  bestowed  by  your  Reverences 
have  been  gratefully  received  by  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich  and 
Lischy  from  the  hands  of  Do.  Schlatter,  each  in  the  propor- 
tion of  50  guilders,  and  they  have  given  to  Do.  Schlatter  a 
receipt  therefor. 

As  regards  the  full  amount,  both  in  regard  to  the  subsidies 
and  in  regard  to  the  Bibles,  bestowed  generously  through  Do. 
Schlatter,  we  cannot  render  your  Reverences  any  other  report, 
because  Do.  Schlatter  up  to  this  time  has  not  yet  consented 
to  give  us  any  account.  We  have  noticed  with  regret  that 
Do.  Schlatter  has  dealt  very  arbitrarily  in  the  matter  of  the 
Bibles,  so  that  he  distributed  some  according  to  his  own 
pleasure  before  a  Coetus  was  held. 

Of  your  Netherland  Church-Order,  of  which  your  Rever- 
ences are  pleased  to  make  mention,  none  has  as  yet  come  to 
our  hands. 

It  causes  us  much  embarrassment  that  your  Reverences 
should  think  that  we  cared  little  for  you.  We  take  the  liberty 
of  answering  you  that  we  regard  you  with  the  most  dutiful 
esteem.  That  Do.  Schlatter  has  not  kept  the  promise  made 
to  you  grieves  us  very  much.  It  was  our  duty  long  ago  to 
send  most  obediently  a  reply  to  your  most  esteemed  Synodical 
letter  transmitted  to  us.  To  this  end  Do.  Leydich  proposed 
in  good  time,  even  with  the  approval  of  and  after  consultation 

*  See  Minutes  of  1752,  October,  Session  IV.,  art.  G. 


BECOBDS  OF  1753.  m 

with  Do.  Schlatter,  to  meet  at  Goshenhoppen,  where  most  of 
the  ministers,  as  Dos.  Weiss,  Leydich,  Steiner,  Schlatter, 
Rubel,  Waldschmidt,  Wissler,  Stoy,  Tempelmann  and  Frank- 
enfeld,  with  their  elders,  assembled  at  the  friendly  invitation 
of  Do.  Leydich.  But  when  Do.  Schlatter  appeared,  much 
chagrined,  because  he  neither  had  given  his  consent  that 
Coetus  should  there  be  held  nor  was  pleased  that  the 
Sjmodical  letter  was  opened  and  read,  he  not  only  prevented 
the  Coetus  from  being  held  at  that  time,  but  also  gave  occa- 
sion among  the  brethren  for  great  dissatisfaction,  espe- 
cially when  he  violently  sought,  against  the  desire  and 
wish  of  all,  to  take  the  Synodical  letter  with  him.  For 
this  reason  we  were  compelled,  being  in  the  utmost  extremity, 
to  send  out  a  notice  for  a  Coetus  to  be  held  at  Cocalico 
on  October  9th  of  this  year,  1753,  and  elected  Do.  Weiss 
as  president,  at  the  special  direction  of  your  Reverences  in 
your  most  honored  Synodical  letter.  He  also  called  the  Coe- 
tus, in  our  name  and  by  our  order,  to  meet  at  the  appointed 
time  and  place,  and  all  the  brethren,  both  ministers  and 
elders,  v/ere  most  cordially  invited,  of  whom  all  appeared 
except  Dos.  Schlatter,  Du  Bois,  Rieger,  Otterbein,  Stoy  and 
Lischy;  for  although  the  three  last  named  came,  they  did 
not  remain,  nor  did  they  keep  their  promise  made  to  us  to 
unite  ^\dth  us  the  next  day,  together  with  the  other  breth- 
ren, in  order  to  act  in  concert  with  us,  although  we  had 
employed  every  means  and  had  made  the  most  Christian 
propositions  to  them,  which  might  serve  to  promote  the  glory 
of  God,  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church,  and  a  brotherly  har- 
mony. Do.  Weiss  and  Do.  Leydich,  in  particular,  declared 
at  our  Coetus  that  in  the  beginning  they  had  made  great 
concessions  to  Do.  Schlatter,  having  even  signed  several  let- 
ters in  Do.  Schlatter's  interest,  touching  his  stay  in  Phila- 
delphia as  pastor,  his  election  as  president,  the  seating  and 
voting  of  elders  at  Coetus,  and  the  confirmation  of  the  Min- 
utes of  the  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster,  out  of  esteem  for  your 
Reverences,  who  had  placed  great  confidence  in  Do.  Schlatter, 
and  out  of  gratitude  to  Do.  Schlatter,  who  had  taken  great 
pains  (although  he  had  not  built  upon  good  foundation  in 
his  work)  that  Dos.  Weiss  and  Leydich  might  not  appear 
as  though   they  would   place   any   obstacle   in   the   way   of 


112  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

the  work  that  had  been  begun,  but  much  rather  erive  every 
assistance  and  promotion  to  such  work.  But  since  Dos.  AVeiss 
and  Leydich  observed  that  all  their  efforts  were  fruitless  and 
in  vain,  and  the  people  in  Pennsylvania  generally  were  not 
pleased  with  Do.  Schlatter,  and  the  elders  neither  could  nor 
Avould  give  up  their  rights,  and  a  great  dissension  arising  in 
Philadelphia,  where  the  people  appealed  to  the  pledge  given  to 
them  by  Do.  Schlatter,  and  he  by  his  actions  sought  his  own 
glory  more  than  the  glory  of  God,  and  looked  more  to  his  own 
profit  than  to  the  welfare  of  our  churches,  therefore  Do. 
"Weiss  and  Do.  Leydich  found  themselves  conscientiously 
compelled,  in  order  to  counteract  all  confusion  and  to  pre- 
vent all  disturbance,  for  the  promotion  of  the  glory  of  God 
in  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church,  to  bring  Do.  Schlatter  to  a 
different  view  and  to  convince  him  of  a  better  way,  even  by 
fraternal  representations  to  him  at  different  times  and  occa- 
sions. But  in  vain,  for  Do.  Schlatter  would  not  allow  him- 
self in  any  way  to  be  guided  by  us,  which  was  to  our  injury 
and  that  of  our  churches  in  this  country,  which  grieves  us 
very  deeply.  In  this  connection  we  have  heard  read,  with 
the  greatest  astonishment,  a  letter  from  Do.  Schlatter  to  Dos. 
Weiss  and  Leydich,  written  at  Philadelphia  under  date  Feb- 
ruary 20,  1753,  wherein  he  declares  both  Dos.  Weiss  and 
Leydich  to  be  good  men,  seeking  the  best,  notwithstanding 
that  they  had  acted  against  his  wishes. 

We  cannot  omit  to  inform  your  Reverences  most  submis- 
sively, that  your  latest,  most  honored  Synodical  and  Classical 
letters,  besides  other  letters  addres^sed  to  us,  were  tampered 
with.  For  although  Do.  Schlatter  received  them  together 
from  the  Post  Office  in  Philadelphia,  sealed  and  in  good  con- 
dition, yet  it  seems  as  if  they  had  been  for  the  most  part 
opened  before  they  reached  our  hands,  which  has  caused  much 
suspicion  among  us.  In  view  of  this,  it  is  our  most  humble 
petition  to  your  Reverences  that  in  case  we  are  honored  in  the 
future  with  a  letter  from  your  Reverences,  you  will  do  us  the 
favor  to  address  the  same  either  to  New  York  to  Do.  Boel, 
or  to  Philadelphia  to  Mr.  Benjamin  Shoemaker,  so  that  the 
president  of  Coetus  can  receive  the  same  most  honored  com- 
munication from  their  hands.  And  in  order  that  this,  our 
present  letter,   may   reach   your   Reverences  unaltered,   not 


BECOBDS  OF  1753.  II3 

in  the  least  changed  against  our  T\dsh  and  \^dll  by  additions 
or  erasures  (as  we  learned  occurred  on  another  occasion), 
we  have  chosen  from  our  midst  certain  ministers  and  elders, 
who,  before  it  is  sent  over,  shall,  in  our  name,  hear  it 
plainly  read,  so  as  to  ascertain  whether  it  corresponds 
with  the  original,  in  order  that  the  same  having  been  found 
correct  in  every  particular  no  one  besides  the  president  and 
secretary  may  sign  the  writing  in  attestation  of  the  same. 

For  the  rest  we  thank  your  Reverences  as  well  in  general  for 
your  fraternal  love  and  favorable  disposition  towards  us,  as  in 
particular  for  your  Reverences '  very  wise  and  Christian  coun- 
sel, confessing  theremth  our  heartfelt  sorrow  over  the  distress- 
ing condition  of  our  church  in  Pennsylvania,  adding  this  good 
wish  from  your  humble  servants,  that  the  great  God  will  look 
in  favor  upon  us,  that  He  may  rule  by  His  Spirit  the  hearts  of 
your  Reverences  (to  whose  generous  and  Christian  judgment 
we  most  obediently  submit  ourselves)  and  influence  you  in 
the  future  not  to  abandon  us,  but  much  rather  to  give  us  your 
fatherly  support,  as  those  most  submissively  depending  upon 
your  Reverences;  and  recommending  ourselves  with  most 
dutiful  respect  to  your  Reverences'  favor,  we  are,  with  great 
esteem,  yours,  our  most  Learned  and  Honored  Sirs,  our  much 
beloved  Church  Fathers. 

Signed  in  our  name  and  by  our  order,  your  Reverences' 
most  submissive,  most  obedient  servants, 

George  Michael  Weiss,  Pres.  p.  t., 
John  Ph.  Leydich,  Sec.  p.  t., 
John  Waldschmidt,  V.  D.  M.,  pastor  at  Cocalico, 
J.  Jacob  Wissler,  V.  D.  M.,  at  Egypt, 
John  !Miller,  elder  at  Falkner  Swamp, 
Abraham  Sahler,  elder  at  Providence, 
Ernest  Kurtz,  elder  at  Philadelphia, 
Paul  Geissel,  elder  at  Germantown. 
Done  in  our  Coetal  assembly  at  Cocalico,  in  Pennsylvania, 
October  12,  1753. 


]\IIXUTES    OF    COETUS,    HELD    IN    PHILADELPHIA, 
OCTOBER  30,   1754. 

(Hague  92,  b.  13,  and  Amst.  Folio,  No.  75.) 

COPY  of  the  minutes  of  the  assembly  of  reformed  minis- 
ters HELD  IN  PHILADELPHL\,  AND  TRANSMITTED  ON  NOVEMBER 
2nd  to  the  reverend  DEPUTIES  OF  THE  TWO  REV.  SYNODS  OF 
SOUTH  AND  NORTH  HOLLAND. 

Philadelphla,  October  30,  1754. 
Very  Reverend,  etc.: 

After  Do.  Schlatter  by  God's  goodness  had  happily  re- 
turned from  Europe,  he  invited  us  as  friends  and  brethren 
to  assemble  at  his  house  in  Philadelphia,  in  order  dutifully 
to  consider  the  paternal  instructions  and  injunctions  of  the 
Rev.  Deputies  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  which  invitation 
we  all  readily  answered  by  our  attendance. 

SESSION    I. 

It  was  resolved  (after  the  example  of  Do.  Schlatter  in  his 
letter  to  us)  not  to  call  this  present  assembly  of  the  brethren 
an  ordinary  Coetus,  as  at  this  time  it  was  principally  our 
object  to  establish  a  perfect  unity  and  Christian  bond  among 
and  between  the  ministers,  for  which  the  presence  of  the 
elders  was  not  strictly  necessary. 

Thereupon  the  honored  letter  of  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  both 
Synods  was  read,  with  their  salutary  instructions,  together 
with  the  Pastoral  Letter  of  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  (composed  in  connection  with  the  Dep- 
uties of  both  Synods  and  transmitted  most  kindly  to  us), 
which  letters  were  drawn  up  in  April,  June  and  eluly  in  the 
Hague,  Haarlem  and  Amsterdam,  and  placed  in  our  hands  by 
Do.  Peters,  from  which  we  have  well  learned  the  exceptional 
care,  wise  and  Christian  resolutions,  and  highly  necessary 
instructions  of  your  Reverences,  and  have  accepted  the  same 
most  obediently  with  special  esteem,  in  order  to  observe  care- 
fully such  pious  and  fatherly  rules  and  regulations  with 
God's  grace,  and  tlnis  in  the  future  with  redoubled  zeal  to 

(114) 


EECOEDS  OF  1754.  II5 

become  again  worthy  of  your  love  and  long-continued  favor. 
Hereupon  Do.  Schlatter  communicated  to  us  his  written 
dismissal  of  June  16th  of  this  current  year,  received  from 
you  at  Haarlem,  and  then  he  took  leave  of  us. 

SESSION   II. 

In  the  absence  of  Do.  Schlatter,  we  adopted  the  following 
resolutions : 

1.  We  found  ourselves  compelled  heartily  to  confess  (at 
least  a  large  part  of  us)  that  we  have  not  properly  come  up 
to  the  expectation  of  the  Rev.  Fathers  in  Holland,  and,  more- 
over, have  made  ourselves  unworthy  of  their  affection  and 
generosity,  of  which  confession  several  of  us  gave  sincere 
expression. 

2.  It  was  considered  necessary  to  charge  some  one  specially 
with  the  care  of  our  church  affairs,  and  it  was  unanimously 
resolved  that  Do.  Schlatter,  as  he  resides  in  Philadelphia,  and 
has  the  requisite  experience,  was  the  person  most  fitted  for  it, 
and  for  this  reason  should  be  requested  and  appointed  by  us. 

3.  Further,  Do.  Schlatter  was  earnestly  invited  again  to 
attend  our  Coetus,  and  the  present  meeting  as  a  member. 

4.  Do.  Schlatter  having  appeared,  all  past  differences  were 
laid  aside  in  love,  and  he  was  again  reconciled  to  Do.  Steiner 
and  others,  and  each  one  of  us  was  ready  to  confess  before 
God  in  all  sincerity  in  whatever  we  Avere  convinced  to  have 
given  offense  or  provocation.  And  as  a  result  there  was 
effected  under  God's  blessing  a  general,  and,  as  it  appears  to 
us,  genuine  peace,  and  thus  was  laid  the  foundation  for  our 
future  rest  and  edification. 

5.  Do.  Schlatter  w^as  charged  with  the  aforesaid  commis- 
sion. He  expressed  his  appreciation  of  the  confidence  of  the 
brethren,  and  (with  God's  aid  and  our  fraternal  assistance) 
he  assured  us  that  he  was  willing  to  continue  to  advance  the 
welfare  of  the  churches  in  general,  and  of  each  of  the  breth- 
ren in  particular,  with  all  his  heart,  and  to  the  best  of  his 
ability,  as  he  had  done  heretofore,  but  that  he  could  accept 
the  commission  laid  upon  him  only  provisionally,  until  the 
Rev.  and  Christian  Fathers  in  Holland  were  able  and  willing 
to  approve  of  it  and  consent  to  it. 

6.  It  was  resolved  to  hold  on  Wednesday,  April  9,  1755, 


116  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

a  regular  meeting  of  our  Coetus  in  Lancaster,  for  which  Dos. 
Weiss,  Rieger  and  Leydich  were  appointed  as  president,  sec- 
retary and  assessor  respectively.  Moreover,  Do.  Weiss  con- 
sented to  open  said  Coetus,  if  life  and  health  should  permit, 
at  9  o'clock  in  the  morning,  ^vith  a  sermon,  and  Do.  Rieger 
to  conclude  the  same  with  another. 

7.  It  was  resolved  that  neither  the  president  nor  the  secre- 
tary, nor  any  one  having  occasion  to  write  to  Holland  in  the 
name  of  the  brethren,  shall  do  so  unless  in  conference  with 
the  remaining  brethren,  and  that  the  minutes  of  our  Coetus 
ought  always  to  be  dra^\Ti  up,  finished  and  dispatched  before 
the  Coetus  separates.  Further,  Do.  Schlatter  alone  was  au- 
thorized by  us  to  communicate  to  the  Rev.  Fathers  in  Holland 
Avhenever  it  was  necessary,  and  as  accurately  as  possible, 
whatever  had  been  forgotten,  or  whatever  of  importance 
might  occur  between  tlie  regular  meetings. 

SESSION  III. 

An  extract  from  the  article  concerning  ]\Ir.  Caspar  Rubel  in 
your  Reverences '  latest  letter,  was  made  in  writing  and  sent  to 
him,  together  with  a  special  letter  to  his  consistory,  with  the 
request  to  consent  to  appear  at  our  meeting  the  next  day 
at  10  o'clock,  in  order  to  listen  to  certain  w^holesome  and 
Christian  directions  contained  in  your  letter. 

Further,  Dos.  Schlatter,  Stoy  and  Waldschmidt  have  re- 
ceived from  Messrs.  Benjamin  and  Samuel  Shoemaker  290 
pounds  Pennsylvania  currency,  being  the  two  thousand 
guilders  kindly  sent  us  last  October  through  the  Messrs. 
Hope,  of  Rotterdam. 

Do.  Schlatter  also  handed  over  to  each  one  of  us  a  copy  of 
the  Church-Order  which  you  sent  us  through  his  Reverence. 

Further,  each  one  of  us  reported  his  income  from  his  con- 
gregations, as  follows : 

Do.  Weiss  reckoned  his  at  40  pounds. 


Steiner      '' 

50 

Leydich      ' ' 

40 

Du  Bois     " 

50 

Stoy 

36 

Waldschmidt 

30 

Frankenfeld 

40 

nECOBDS  OF  1754.  117 

Do.  Lischy  reckoned  his  at  45  pounds. 
''     Rieger       ''  "      -2*     " 

''     Tempelmann  ''      25       '' 

''     Otterbein'*  '*      45       " 

''     Schlatter  ''  ^'      10       '' 

Considering  that  the  donations  this  year  are  not  as  large 
as  last,  and  taking  into  account  the  poor  school  teachers,  we 
have  resolved  this  time  (although  it  is  hard  for  us)  to  sup- 
plement our  salaries  only  to  the  extent  of  400  guilders,  or 
sixty  pounds,  and  draw  the  other  50  guilders  next  year,  if 
possible.  Thus  Do.  Schlatter  has  drawn  but  40  pounds  of 
the  300  guilders  which  you  had  set  apart  for  him,  and  but 
12  pounds  8  s.  of  the  22  pouads  8  s.  that  remained  due  to 
him  from  last  year;  hence  there  remains  to  his  credit  the 
sum  of  15  pounds,  or  100  fl.  (guilders). 

£.        s. 

Do.  Weiss  has  drawn 20 

''     Lischy  ''    8 

''     Steiner  *'    10 

''     Leydich  *'    20 

''     DuBois  ''   7     10 

''     Stoy  '' 24 

''     Waldschmidt    *'    30 

''     Frankenfeld      " 20 

''     Otterbein  ''    15 

''     Rieger  ''    8 

''     Tempelmann     ''    7 

''     Bartholomaeus  ''    , 25 

The  deserted  wife  of  Do.  Dorsius 6 

Do.  Wissler's  widow  (he  having  died  a  month  ago, 

after  a  sickness  of  two  months) 10 

Coetus  seal  4 


267       7 
The    school-teachers   were    remembered    in    the    following 
manner : 

*  Thus  in  the  original. 


118 


C0ETV8  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


The  school- 


£. 

eacher  at  Lancaster 3 

Tulpehocken    3 

Falkner  Swamp    2 

Providence  2 

Seltenreich 2 

AVhite  Oaks 1 

Kreutz  Creek  2 

Conewago 3 

Conococheague    1 

Philadelphia    2 


10 
10 


22 


Sum  total 289       7 

Meantime  two  elders  came  from  ]Mr.  Rubers  congregation, 
to  whom  was  read  the  pastoral  letter.  It  was  also  resolved 
that  said  pastoral  letter  be  read  in  all  the  churches  on  the 
first  Sunday  in  December.  Finally  Do.  Schlatter  was  com- 
missioned to  write  out  the  minutes  and  to  send  them  off,  and 
also  to  prepare  some  Post  Acta,  as  he  shall  deem  profitable 
for  us  all  and  for  the  best  interests  of  our  congregations,  the 
more  since  w^e  have  full  confidence  in  his  fidelity. 
PHIL.VDELPHIA,  Novcmbcr  2,  1754. 

George  Michael  Weiss,         Phil.  Wm.  Otterbein, 


John  Conrad  Steiner, 
John  Ph.  Leydich, 
Conrad  Tempelmann, 
Theodore  Frankenfeld, 
John  W.u^dschmidt, 


Jonathan  Du  Bois, 
J.  B.  Rieger, 
H.  W.  Stoy, 
Jacob  Lischy, 
]Michael  Schlatter. 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  THE   SYNODS, 
NOVE^IBER  3,  1754. 

(Hague  92,  B.  13  b.) 

Very    Eeverend    Deputies,    Dearly    Beloved    Fathers,    Much    Esteemed 

Benefactors,  etc.: 

Through  the  sudden  departure  of  the  ship  which  is  to  take  these 
letters  along,  I  am  prevented  from  adding  some  proper  Post  Acta,  which 
I  shall  soon  send  with  dutiful  obedience,  if  the  Lord  grants  me  health 
and  strength. 

At  present  I  can  only  state  with  gratitude  to  God  that  our  first  meet- 
ing has  been  held  with  a  most  desirable  harmony,  so  that  I  can  almost 
flatter  myself  with  the  good  hope  that  your  Eeverences  will  henceforth  be 
gladdened  with  delightful  reports  about  the  blessed  growth  of  congre- 
gations and  schools. 

Do.  Rubel  seems  to  be  uneasy  and  not  well  satisfied  with  the  dismissal 
which  he  received,  saying  that  your  Eeverences  had  not  understood  his 
letters  very  well.  His  congregation  is  not  well  pleased  with  his  un- 
becoming conduct,  and  seeks  only  an  opportunity  to  rid  itself  of  him; 
meajiwhile  the  members  accuse  ea^h  other  of  inconstancy  and  dis- 
orderly conduct;  however,  they  already  begin  to  see  that  so  doing 
they  will  not  accomplish  anything  but  injury  and  confusion.  For  this 
reason  it  is  most  necessary,  if  your  Eeverences  approve  of  it,  to  seek 
and  to  send  over  to  us  two  or  three  pious,  sensible  and  peace-loving 
ministers  for  this  and  several  other  congregations. 

I  preach  at  present,  at  the  unanimous  request  and  advice  of  the  breth- 
ren, to  the  regular  and  loyal  Eeformed  congregation  in  this  city,  not  as 
their  settled  pastor,  but  only  out  of  love  to  them  and  as  often  as  my 
time  and  work  will  allow,  until  your  Eeverences  will  be  pleased  to  send 
them  a  minister. 

With  regard  to  the  commission  laid  upon  me  by  the  Coetus,  and  my 
reception  as  member  of  the  same,  I  can  unhesitatingly  testify  that 
neither  the  one  nor  the  other  was  sought  by  me  directly  or  indirectly; 
on  the  contrary  L  was  compelled  to  be  satisfied  with  it  until  your  Rever- 
ences will  deem  it  advisable  either  to  approve  or  disapprove  of  this 
resolution.  I  also  hope,  with  God's  help,  not  to  undertake  anything 
against  your  Giristian  and  wise  intentions,  but  to  submit  obediently 
and  strictly  to  the  orders  of  your  Eeverences. 

Finally,  I  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  most  humbly,  the  general 
welfare  of  the  congregations  and  of  their  ministers,  as  weU  as  my  own,  to 
your  Reverences'  tender  care  and  further  favor.  Invoking  aU  essential 
blessings  upon  your  congregations,  offices,  persons,  and  families,  I  call 
myself  with  deepest  and  most  tender  respect  Very  Eeverend  and  well 
learned  Sirs,  Deputies  of  both  Synods,  honorable  benefactors,  your 
Reverences'  most  humble,  dutiful  and  unworthy  servant, 

Philadelphia,  November  3,  1754.  Mich.  Schlatter. 

(119) 


ADDRESS  TO  THE  HONORABLE  ROBERT  HUNTER 

MORRIS,*  Esq.,  GOVERNOR  OF  PENNSYLVANIA, 

FROM  THE  REFORMED  CLERGY  OF  THE 

SAID  PROVINCE,  NOVEMBER  2,  1754. 

(Translated  from  Pennsylvania  Archives, 
Vol.  II.,  p.  185  f.) 

Most  Eonorable  Sir: 

We  congratulate  ourselves  and  you,  'who  by  the  appointment  of  the 
wise  and  well-disposed  Majesty,  our  most  gracious  King,  have  come  to 
us  from  England  safely  and  in  good  health  as  a  most  excellent  governor. 

May  God,  the  highest,  greatest  and  best,  bless  all  your  acts,  that  you 
may  be  able  to  govern  us  safely,  agreeably,  and  successfully,  and  prosper 
us. 

This,  most  honorable  Sir,  which  we  sincerely  implore  for  you  and  us, 
our  religion  which  we  profess  teaches  us,  and  the  office  which  we  hold 
requires  of  us.  But  all  of  us  who  have  subscribed  our  names  as 
ministers  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  follow  the  teaching  of  the 
church  which  we  believe  to  be  orthodox,  commonly  called  Reformed, 
founded  and  established  throughout  Holland,  England,  Switzerland, 
Palatinate,  etc.,  which,  even  if  we  did  not  make  mention  of  it,  would 
be  well  known  to  you  through  your  knowledge  of  public  affairs  from 
the  Acts  of  the  German  Empire  and  other  European  states.  Having 
been  imbued  with,  nourished  by,  and  brought  up  in  the  doctrine  and 
discipline  of  this  church,  being  devoted  to  God  and  our  neighbors,  hav- 
ing left  our  native  country,  and  having  been  called  and  sent  to  this 
countrj',  we  must  instruct,  in  the  sound  principles  of  Protestantism,  out 
of  the  Sacred  Scriptures  and  the  authentic  Symbols,  as  many  as  desire 
to  hear  us,  especially  Germans,  the  greatest  number  of  whom  dwells 
scattered  through  all  the  counties  of  Pennsylvania,  so  that  all  of  what- 
ever kind  and  condition,  in  accordance  with  the  measure  pf  their  capacity 
and  strength,  divinely  granted,  may  learn  to  understand  the  duties  of 
man  as  citizen  and  Christian.  In  this  way  fearing  God,  honoring  the 
King,  loving  our  neighbors,  leading,  moreover,  a  quiet  and  peaceful  life, 
we  may  afterwards  become  partakers  of  that  better  life  whose  author 
is  Jesus  Christ,  blessed  for  ever. 

May  we  be  allowed  to  add  this,  most  honorable  Sir,  the  Christian  re- 
ligion does  indeed  not  loosen  the  bonds  of  society,  but  rather  strengthens 
tl'.em,  does  not  disturb  the  body  politic,  but  pacifies  it,  does  not  wound, 
but  heal;  in  a  word,  piety  establishes  government. 

Therefore,  most  honorable  Sir,  we  ask  submissively  and  earnestly  with 
that  singular  boldness  which  is  becoming  to  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  of 

*  R.  H.  Morris  became  Governor  of  Pennsylvania  in  October,  1754. 

(120) 


BECOBDS  OF  1754.  121 

Jesus  Christ,  that  you  -u-iU  manfully  and  kindly  favor  and  assist  us  in 
this  our  duty  to  reach  henceforth  this  most  noble,  catholic  end. 

We,  in  turn,  will  be  devotedly  mindful  of  your  Honor  in  our  private 
and  public  prayers  before  God  and  our  congregations. 

Farewell,  most  honorable  Sir,  in  God  the  Father  of  Lights  reconciled 
to  us  through  Jesus  Christ. 

In  testimony  of  our  sincere   devotion  we  individually  subscribe   our 
names  with  unanixaous  consent. 

Your  Honor's  most  devoted  and  humble  servants, 
Philadelphia,  November  2,  1754. 

John  Waldschmidt,  Cocalico. 
Theodore  Fraxkexfeld,  Frederick,  Md. 
Jonathan  Du  Bois,  Northampton. 
Conrad  Tempelmann,  Swatara. 
Conrad  Steiner,  Germantown. 
Michael  Schlatter,  Philadelphia, 
John  Bartholomew  Eieger,  Lancaster. 
John  Philip  Leydich,  Xew  Hanover. 
Geo.  Michael  Weiss,  Goshenhoppen. 
Jacob  Lischy,  York. 
P.  W.  Otterbein,  Lancaster. 
Henry  William  Stoy,*  Tulpehocken. 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  THE  CLASSIS  OF 
AMSTERDAM,  DECEMBER  17,  1754. 

(Amsterdam  Portfolio,  No.  76.) 

Very  Eeverend  and  Well  Learned  Sirs,  Very  Highly  Esteemed  Fathers: 

If  ever  the  outlook  has  been  such  as  to  warrant  good  hope  ajid  happy 
progress  in  churches  and  schools,  such  is  the  case  at  present.  It  seemed 
as  if  several  of  the  brethren  were  guided  by  another  spirit,  so  that  I  may 
flatter  myself  with  the  good  hope  (if  it  will  please  our  glorified  Saviour 
an  the  Head  of  the  Church  to  direct  his  servant  and  to  guide  his  flock 
most  graciously)  that  your  Eeverences  shaU  henceforth  be  able  to  re- 
ceive joyful  news  from  these  regions  regarding  the  growth  and  increase 
of  the  churches  and  schools. 

Do.  Eubel  seems  HI  at  ease,  and  not  well  satisfied  with  his  dismissal,  de- 
claring that  your  Reverences  have  not  correctly  understood  his  letters.  His 
congregation  is  decreasing,  and  the  majority  wish  that  they  could  be  rid 
of  htm.  Meantime  they  are  accusing  each  other,  to  their  great  harm,  of 
their  irregular  and  quarrelsome  actions,  and  they  begin  to  see  that 
their  conduct,  since  Do.  Steiner  arrived  in  this  country,  has  brought  after 
it  nothing  but  injury,  confusion,  contempt  and  aversion  against  religion. 

*  The  writer  of  the  letter  was  probably  Stoy,  whose  name  is  last,  and 
who  was  a  good  Latin  scholar. 


122  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Therefore  the  brethren  have  charged  me  to  humbly  beseech  your  Reverences 
if  It  might  please  you,  to  send  us  two  or  three  quiet,  pious  and  peace- 
loving  ministers  to  take  charge  of  Philadelphia  and  other  vacant  con- 
gregations. At  the  same  time,  by  the  advice  and  request  of  the  brethren 
m  general,  I  have  consented  to  continue  to  minister  to  the  regular,  loyal 
but  small,  Reformed  church  in  this  city,  merely  out  of  love,  and  not  a^  their 
settled  pastor,  (in  so  far  as  my  other  office  will  aUow  this),  until  some 
other  minister  may  be  appointed  for  it  by  your  Reverences.  With  regard 
to  the  above-mentioned  commission  laid  upon  me  by  the  brethren,  and 
their  act  of  receiving  of  me  again  as  a  member  of  Coetus,  I  dare  unhesi- 
tatingly assert  that  neither  the  one  nor  the  other  was  either  directly  or 
indirectly  sought  by  me,  but  was  (without  saying  too  much)  thrust  upon 
me,  to  abide  by  it  until  it  might  be  found  right  and  desirable  by  your 
Reverences  either  to  approve  or  to  disapprove  of  such  resolution.  I 
hope  also,  with  God's  help,  never  to  undertake  anything  against  your 
Christian  and  wise  purposes,  but  always  to  subject  mvself  most  obedi- 
ently and  strictly  to  your  commands.  The  brethren  have  also  unani- 
mously requested  me  to  visit  all  their  congregations  before  the  session 
c.f  our  Coetus  in  April,  to  call  their  consistories  together,  and  to  make 
regulations  with  the  assistance  of  the  neighboring  ministers  about  the 
salary,  etc.,  in  order  thus  to  be  in  a  condition  after  this  to  send  an 
accurate  report  to  your  Reverences  about  the  number,  the  increase,  the 
circumstances  of  the  congregations,  and  also  about  the  merits  of  the 
ministers,  etc.  I  take  this  occasion  to  ask  your  Reverences  what  we  are 
to  do  with  this  or  that  minister,  who  should  neglect  one  or  more  of  the 
congregations  entrusted  to  him,  for  the  sake  of  his  ease,  or  because  of  a 
hasty  temper,  or  for  other  re;asons,  and  would  thus  lose  a  part  of  his 
salary,  and  whether  such  a  one  then  dared  to,  or  could,  lay  claim  to  the 
subsidies  sent  by  your  Reverences,  while  the  others,  who  in  fidelity  were 
doing  their  utmost,  might  look  on? 

Whether,  in  case  the  Coetus,  on  reasonable  grounds,  should  add  a  con- 
gregation to  any  minister's  previous  charge  in  order  to  make  his  salary 
more  adequate,  and  such  a  minister  should  refuse  this  without  sufficient 
reason,  he  nevertheless  may  claim  his  full  supplement  from  the  donations? 
It  would  have  gratified  me  if  your  Reverences  had  consented,  or  might 
yet  consent,  to  send  over  for  our  guidance  the  resolution  concerning  the 
200  florins  (guilders)  from  Reiff 's  collection,  taken  last  spring  at  the  Hague. 
Finally,  I  take  the  liberty  (in  the  name  and  by  order  of  the  brethren),  to 
commend  the  welfare  of  the  churches  and  their  pastors,  as  also  my  own. 
in  humility,  to  yinir  tender  care  and  further  favor,  and,  after  invoking 
all  essential  blessings  upon  your  churches,  offices,  persons,  and  families, 
to  call  myself  as  long  as  I  live,  with  deepest  and  tenderest  esteem,  Very 
Reverend,  Very  and  Well  Learned  Sirs,  Deputies  of  both  Synods,  and 
Rev.  Deputies  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  your  Right  Reverences' 
submissive,  dutiful  and  unworthy  sei-vaut,  Mich.  Schlatter. 

Philadelphia,  December  17,  1754. 

P.  S.     I   ask  most  humbly  to  kindly  communicate  this  letter  to   the 
Rev.  Deputies  of  the  Synods. 


PROTOCOL  OF   THE    COETUS   OF   THE   REFORMED 
CONGREGATIONS    IN    PEN^^STLVANIA,    llARY- 
LAND,  ETC.,  HELD  IN  THE  NAME  OF  OUR 
SAYIOim,    JESUS    CHRIST,    IN   LANCAS- 
TER,   APRIL    9-11,    1755. 

(N.  B.,  No.  792.) 

Wednesday,  April  9tli.  The  Coetus  was  opened  with  an 
edifj^ng  sermon  by  the  President,  Do.  Weiss.  The  first 
[business]  session  was  begun  in  the  afternoon  at  three 
o'clock  with  fervent  prayer. 

I.  SESSION,  p.  M. 

1.  First  of  all  there  were  presented  to  the  President  and 
the  Reverend  assembly  certain  necessary  regulations  for 
consideration,  in  order  that  affairs  might  be  conducted  in 
this  and  subsequent  meetings  of  Coetus  in  a  Christian,  fra- 
ternal, peaceful,  edifying,  and  orderly  manner,  and  thus  our 
Coetus  be  held  in  more  respect.  These  regulations  were 
then  unanimously  subscribed  by  us  all,  namely,  Dos. 

1.  George  i\lTCHAEL  Weiss,  p.  t.  President,  pastor  at 
Goshenhoppen, 

2.  J.  B.  Rieger,  Secretary,  pastor  at  Schaeffer's  Church, 

3.  J.  Ph.  Leydich,  Assessor,  pastor  at  Falkner  Swamp, 

4.  Michael  Schlatter, 

5.  Jacob  Lischy,  pastor  at  York, 

6.  WiLLiAii  Otterbein,  pastor  at  Lancaster, 

7.  William  Stoy,  pastor  at  Tulpehocken, 

8.  Theodore  Fr-^'kexfeld,  pastor  at  Frederick,  Md., 

9.  John  Waldschmidt,  pastor  at  Cocalico, 

10.  Jonathan  Du  Bois,  pastor  at  Northampton, 

11.  Conrad  Tempelmann,  pastor  at  Swatara, 

12.  J.  Conrad  Steiner,  pastor  at  Germantown, 

(123) 


124  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Voting  Elders. 

Christopher  Heuser,  John  Lein, 

John  Muetjler,  John  Michael  Rein, 

Peter  Kohl,  Jacob  Kuntz, 

Henry  Bamberger,  Peter  Rentsch, 

William  Bennet,  Henry  Kolliker, 

John  Schutz. 

2.  The  esteemed  letter  of  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  both  Synods, 
under  date  October  9th,  1754,  was  opened,  read,  and  received 
with  special  gratitude. 

3.  Do.  Rubel,  ha\ang  heard  of  tliis  letter,  desired  an  ex- 
tract of  such  portion  thereof  as  might  refer  to  himself,  wliich 
was  granted  to  his  Reverence  by  the  Coetus. 

4.  John  Stelhvagen,  a  delegate  from  Do.  Rubel's  congre- 
gation in  Philadelphia,  was  present,  and  respectfully  peti- 
tioned that  it  might  please  the  Rev,  Coetus  to  take  the 
distracted  congregation  of  Philadelpliia  under  its  good  care 
and  protection,  and  to  devise  suitable  means  for  the  restora- 
tion of  peace  and  unity  among  the  members.  He  was  able  to 
declare  in  the  name  of  the  congregation  that  now,  by  the 
grace  of  God,  they  earnestly  desire  to  be  subject  to  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Rev.  Synods  and  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
to  submit  themselves  also  to  our  Coetus  and  church  disci- 
pline, and  that  they  have  come  to  the  conclusion  henceforth 
to  live  in  harmony  with  the  same. 

It  was  in  the  highest  degree  agi^eeable  to  the  Rev.  Coetus 
to  hear  that  this  congregation  was  beginning  to  learn  that 
its  despotic  and  self-walled  conduct  threatened  it  with  ruin 
and  destruction;  that  the  members  manifested  sorrow  that 
for  some  years  they  had  allowed  themselves,  through  their 
harmful  conduct,  to  be  brought  into  and  kept  in  confusion; 
therefore  the  Rev.  Coetus  appointed  a  committee  consisting 
of  three  ministers  to  investigate  this  matter  thoroughly,  and, 
if  possible,  to  employ  such  measures  as  will  promote  their 
future  peace  and  unity. 

5.  John  Loescher,  from  Oley,  together  with  Caspar 
Griesheimer,  appeared,  being  praiseworthily  concerned  for 
the  increase  of  the  Reformed  Church  in  that  district.     Hith- 


BECOBDS  OF  1755.  125 

erto  neither  ehureli  nor  sclioolhouse  had  been  established 
there,  notwithstanding  it  was  one  of  the  earliest  settled, 
well-to-do,  and  best  farming  regions,  bnt  has  always  been 
the  haunt  of  the  wildest  and  most  unruly  people  and  sects. 
These  people  now  humbly  desire  to  be  subject  to  our  Coetal 
institutions,  to  be  served  in  the  future  by  no  other  than  a 
minister  approved  and  sent  by  the  Coetus;  it  being  further 
noted  that  they  had  almost  completed  a  stone  church.  Dos. 
Steiner  and  Leydich  were  appointed  to  investigate  this  case 
more  fully. 

6.  Abraham  Koerper  appeared,  requesting  in  the  name  of 
the  congregation  in  Reading  that  this  new  town  also  might 
be  provided  vnth  a  minister  approved  by  us,  or  at  least  with 
some  religious  services  by  one  or  another  of  our  members. 
Dos.  Lischy  and  Du  Bois  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
investigate  the  matter. 

7.  Louis  and  Andrew  Schryver  [Schreiber]  addressed  us 
in  behalf  of  the  congregation  of  Conewago,  also  requesting, 
if  possible,  to  be  served  by  us,  and  Do.  Otterbein  was  de- 
signated to  give  these  petitioners  a  further  hearing. 

8.  A  petition  Avas  read  from  the  congregation  at  Witpen, 
also  requesting  to  be  cared  for  by  our  Coetus.  Both  this 
request,  and  the  manner  in  which  they  might  be  served,  were 
referred  to  a  committee. 

9.  The  brethren  began  to  institute  among  themselves  a 
"censura  morum,  exclusis  laicis"  [an  investigation  of  con- 
duct, the  laymen  being  excluded]  in  love  yet  mth  earnest- 
ness, and  it  was  continued  from  the  oldest  to  the  youngest 
according  to  the  Church-Order. 

n.  SESSION,  A.  M. 

April  10. 

10.  The  "censura  morum,"  begun  at  the  first  session,  was 
completed  to  the  satisfaction  of  all,  inasmuch  a^  by  God's 
goodness  there  were  brought  forT\^ard  no  serious  complaints 
preferred  b}^  the  brethren.  May  it  now  also  please  our 
Master  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  to  begin,  continue,  and 
graciously  complete  in  us  his  *'censura  morum,"  revealing 
the  whole  heart  (Hebr.  iv.  12),  so  that  in  the  future  mth 


126  COETUS  OF  PENNSTLFANIA. 

holy  fear  we  may  walk  circumspectly  before  Jehovah's  face 
iu  wisdom,  aud  thus  become  wiser,  humbler,  more  edifying, 
more  useful,  and  more  Christ-like  in  thought,  speech,  and 
act,  and,  thus  blessed,  may  learn  to  labor  and  be  a  blessing 
unto  others. 

11.  The  committee  on  John  Loescher's  request  reported 
that  they  w-ere  of  the  opinion  tliat  the  Reformed  congrega- 
tion at  Oley  deserved  particular  attention,  and  suggested  to 
the  Rev.  Coetus  to  direct  five  or  six  ministei*s  in  turn  to  con- 
duct divine  service  there  once  a  month  until  further  arrange- 
ments could  be  made.  Thereupon  such  ministering  to  this 
church  w-as  committed  to  Dos.  Weiss,  Schlatter,  Leydich, 
Waldschmidt  and  Steiner. 

12.  The  committee  on  Reading  reported  that  in  their  judg- 
ment two  ministers  should  investigate  the  circumstances  of 
the  congregation  there,  and  supply  the  same  once  a  month 
on  week  days  for  tlie  time  being,  as  it  is  impossible  to  do  so 
on  Sunday.  The  care  of  this  congregation  was  committed 
to  Dos.  Otterbein  and  Stoy. 

13.  After  this  the  committee  appointed  for  Conewago 
reported  that  it  was  necessary  that  one  of  the  brethren  should 
in  person  investigate  the  case  of  this  congregation,  and  then, 
according  to  the  circumstances,  serve  and  assist  the  same 
in  the  most  appropriate  manner  until,  under  God's  guidance 
and  the  care  of  the  Fathers  in  Holland,  more  ministers  should 
come  over.  The  care  of  this  congregation  was  conunitted 
to  Dos.  Schlatter  and  Otterbein. 

14.  The  committee  on  Witpen  reported  that  this  congre- 
gation might  be  most  conveniently  served  from  time  to  time 
by  the  minister  of  Germantown  (which  is  oulj^  nine  miles 
distant)  ;  however,  on  condition  that  first  of  all  they  should 
in  some  measure  remunerate  Do.  Schlatter  for  his  trouble, 
who  had  supplied  them  for  over  a  year  from  Philadelphia 
at  least  once  a  month,  on  Sunday.  It  was  agreed  that  they 
should  pay  him  at  least  five  pounds  before  their  case  would 
be  attended  to,  which  monc}^  he  did  not  wish  to  apply  to  his 
owTi  use,  but  to  donate  it  to  the  new  church  in  Lancaster; 
only  to  remind  the  Pennsylvania  congregations  thereby  that 
when  ministers,  with  great  labor,  fidelity,  and  expense,  have 


EECOEDS  OF  1755.  127 

sowed  the  spiritual  seed  among  them,  they  on  the  other  hand 
are  in  duty  bound  to  set  apart  something  of  their  abundance, 
to  give  the  ministers  the  opportunity  to  reap  something  for 
their  bodily  wants,  and  not  henceforth  and  constantly  to 
imagine  that  preachers  must  count  it  an  honor  that  the  people 
should  take  the  trouble  to  come  and  hear  the  Word. 

III.   SESSION,   p.   M. 

15.  A  report  was  made  by  the  committee  which  had  con- 
sidered the  circumstances  of  Do.  Rubel's  congregation  in 
Philadelphia.  The  committee  ad  banc  causam  [on  this  mat- 
ter] was  of  the  opinion  that  Do.  Rubel  should  leave  the 
congregation,  in  accordance  with  the  dismissal  which  he  had 
received  from  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  both  Synods  and  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  and  also  on  account  of  other  circum- 
stances affecting  the  congregation;  and  that  hereafter  it  was 
no  longer  necessary  that  Do.  Schlatter  should  continue  to 
preach  for  a  portion  of  the  congregation  in  a  separate  church, 
since  he,  together  with  the  other  ministers,  expected  after 
the  departure  of  Do.  Rubel  to  see  the  v\^hoie  congregation 
once  more  completely  reunited.  The  committee  therefore 
submitted  whether  Do.  Schlatter  and  Do.  Rubel  should  cease 
to  preach  in  Philadelphia  at  once  and  the  church  be  supplied 
provisionally  on  alternate  Sundays,  t\dce  a  month  by  the 
remaining  ministers,  until  a  fit  and  regular  pastor  for  said 
congregation  be  found,  set  apart,  and  appointed.  This  pro- 
posal, wdth  unanimous  consent,  was  at  once  changed  into  a 
resolution  of  Coetus;  but  whereas  the  call  of  Do.  Rubel 
shows  that  the  congregation  must  give  him  six  months'  notice 
before  his  departure  or  dismissal,  and  he  was  also  obliged 
to  act  in  accordance  mth  this  agreement,  several  ministers, 
by  peaceful  proposals  to  Do.  Rubel  and  his  elders,  brought 
things  so  far  with  both  that  he  resolved  to  preach  his  fare- 
well sermon  on  the  26th  of  this  month,  on  condition 
that  the  church  Avould  pay  him  half  a  year's  salary, 
and  Coetus  pledged  itself  to  supply  the  church  gratis 
until  they  could  obtain  a  pastor.  Moreover,  Dos.  Schlatter 
and  Rubel  in  all  charity  laid  aside  their  personal  differ- 
ences.    In  all  these  efforts  at  peace  the  Rev.  Coetus  must 


128  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

praise  the  pacific  conduct  and  the  impartiality  of  our  Rev. 
brother  Schlatter,  and  hereby  publicly  thanks  liim  for  the 
trouble  and  the  services  rendered  by  him  to  that  portion 
of  the  congregation  in  Philadelphia  which  until  this  time 
has  remained  subject  to  Synods  and  Coetus,  which  services 
were  undei-taken  at  our  request,  and  continued  to  the  best 
interests  of  the  congregation.  Further,  we  fraternally  re- 
quest him,  besides  his  extended  travels  in  connection  with 
inspection  of  the  schools,  now  and  then  to  preach,  as  oppor- 
tunity may  be  afforded,  in  our  churches  and  congregations, 
whereunto  may  Jesus  Christ  sustain  him  with  his  grace. 

16.  Do.  Schlatter  gave  an  account,  to  our  entire  satisfac- 
tion, of  the  200  florins  remaining  of  the  money  collected  by 
Reiff,  and  promised  to  pay  100  fl.  to  the  congregation  at 
Germantown  and  an  equal  amount  to  that  at  Skippack. 

IV.  SESSION,  A.   M. 

April  11. 

17.  It  was  resolved  to  communicate  information  in  writing 
concerning  the  removal  of  Do.  Rubel,  and  the  proposed  re- 
union of  the  congregation  of  Philadelphia,  to  the  congre- 
gation, with  the  request,  if  it  should  seem  acceptable,  to  give 
notice  to  Do.  Otterbein,  that  he  may  begin  to  preach  to  them. 

18.  An  account  was  rendered  by  Do.  Schlatter  of  the  800 
Bibles  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  entire  assembly,  in  which 
he  gave  new  proof  of  his  honesty  and  fidelity,  whereupon 
a  receipt  covering  this  was  furnished  him  by  us.  He  still 
has  in  his  possession  50  folio  and  nearly  100  octavo  Bibles, 
the  distribution  of  which  was  left  to  him. 

19.  A  resolution  was  passed  that  no  minister  should  be 
permitted  to  preach  within  the  bounds  of  another  congre- 
gation without  the  consent  or  the  request  of  the  pastor  loci. 

20.  It  waa  resolved  that  no  member  should  be  admitted 
to  the  Lord's  Supper  by  other  than  his  owti  pastor  or  con- 
gregation without  the  knowledge  and  certificate  of  his  pastor; 
also  that  Holy  Baptism  shall  not  be  administered  to  a  stranger 
(except  in  case  of  necessity). 

21.  Every  pastor  is  requested  hereafter  to  report  annually 
the  number  of  members  in  his  congregations,  with  the  annual 
increase  or  decrease. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1755.  129 

22.  A  resolution  was  adopted  concerning  and  against  dila- 
tores,  accusatores,  calumniatores,  etc.  [tale-bearers,  accusers 
and  slanderers],  viz.,  that,  according  to  the  duty  of  the 
brethren,  each  should  unselfishly  help  to  advance  the  other's 
honor  and  best  interest  in  eveiy  way.  Therefore  each  de- 
clared himself  ready,  in  case  any  brother  in  future  might 
learn  that  the  reputation  of  one  or  another  brother  is  at- 
tacked, to  quiet  the  accuser  until  the  matter  has  been  properly 
brought  before  Coetus  and  the  accused  been  declared  guilty 
or  innocent.  But  in  case  the  accusation  should  be  serious 
and  threaten  evil  consequences,  the  officers  of  the  Coetus 
shall  be  inform.ed,  so  that  they  may  take  effective  measures 
to  remove  the  scandal. 

23.  Resolved  that  a  minister  from  our  num.ber  shall  annu- 
ally visit  all  our  congregations  in  this  country,  to  learn  in 
what  condition  ministers  and  congregations  every^vhere  are. 
Thereupon  Do.  Schlatter  was  unanimously  chosen  by  us  for 
this  purpose,  with  request  that  he  would  take  with  him  the 
nearest  brother  of  each  congregation,  and  thus  make  a  ^usita- 
tion  of  the  congregations  as  opportunity  might  be  afforded. 

V.  SESSION,  p.  M. 

24.  Finally  we  came  to  deliberate  concerning  the  schools 
which  are  to  be  established  in  Pennsylvania  according  to  the 
plan  of  the  New  Society  in  London;  and  inasmuch  as  the 
Rev.  Coetus  has  a  very  good  and  favorable  opinion  of  this 
praiseworthy  undertaking,  it  is  resolved  to  send  a  letter  of 
thanks  to  the  general  trustees  or  superintendents  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

25.  Do.  Schlatter  was  commissioned  in  our  name  to  confer 
with  the  noble  Directors  of  the  free  schools,  confidentially 
and  in  good  faith,  concerning  the  proffered  increase  of  our 
salaries;  to  fix  the  amount  for  those  of  the  brethren  who  may 
have  need  of  it,  and  also  the  share  which  they  deserve  for 
their  efforts;  as  also  to  answer  the  questions  which  the  above- 
mentioned  Directors  have  laid  before  our  Coetus  in  writing, 
namely,  how  many  ministers,  and  where  the  same  are,  how 
many  are  yet  required  in  addition  to  those  already  in  service, 

9 


130  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

and  also  how  many  scliool-teacliei's,  and  in  what  places  they 
are  needed. 

26.  In  answer  to  the  proposition  of  the  aforesaid  Directors, 
that  one  or  two  ministers,  in  addition  to  their  usual  labors, 
should  take  the  trouble  to  instruct  some  young  men,  who 
should  afterwards,  wherever  there  is  an  opportunity,  be 
employed  for  school  or  church  services,  it  was  resolved  that 
Dos.  Otterbein  and  Stoy  be  proposed  as  fit  persons  for  that 
purpose. 

27.  It  Avas  resolved  to  humbly  submit  to  said  noble  Di- 
rectors at  Philadelphia,  in  name  of  the  Coetus,  the  unseemly 
conduct  of  the  journalist  Saur  at  Germantown,  who  is  and 
remains  steadily  an  enemy  of  the  Protestant  Church,  and 
thus  also  of  the  new  school  enterprise,  with  respectful  request 
that  they  would  consent  to  adopt  measures  which  might, 
if  possible,  prevent  him  from  interfering  with  this  useful 
work  or  from  creating  prejudices  against  the  Protestant 
religion  by  continuing  his  efforts. 

28.  Finally  Do.  Schlatter  was  unanimously  authorized  to 
prepare  the  official  copy  of  the  Minutes  of  Coetus,  to  trans- 
late them  into  Dutch,  and  having  made  a  summarized  account 
of  the  distribution  of  the  handsome  and  generous  donations, 
to  add  the  same  to  the  Minutes ;  and  in  case  anything  should 
have  been  omitted  to  state  the  same  truthfully  and  transmit 
it  carefully  to  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  both  Sjoiods  and  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

Was  signed  by: 

"William  Stoy,  George  M.  Weiss,  p.  t.  Pres., 

Theodore  Frankenfeld,  John  Barth.  Rieger,  p.  t.  Sec, 

John  AA^aldschmidt,  J.  P.  Leydich,  p.  t.  Assessor, 

Jonathan  Du  Bois,  Michael  Schlatter, 

Conrad  Tempelmann,  Jacob  Lischy, 

Conrad  Steiner,  William  Otterbein. 


ACCOUNT   OF  THE   DISTRIBUTION  OF   THE   DONA- 
TIONS RECEIVED   FROM  THE   REV.   DEPUTIES 
OF  THE  TWO  HOLLAND  SYNODS  AND  REV. 
CLASSIS   OF  AMSTERDAM,   IN 
APRIL,  1755. 

i.  s.      d. 

Do.  Weiss   drevr 35.         15 

' '    Eieger    15 

j  Do.  Schlatter   45 

\  Eest  of  last  year 14 

Do.  Lejdich    35.         15 

' '    Lischy    37.         13.       6 

' '    Otterbein    18 

''    Stoy 36.         18 

' '    Frankenf eld    36 

' '    Waldschmidt     -; 36.         10 

' '    Du  Bois    21.  5 

' '     Tempelmann 10.  5 

' '     Steiner     36 

' '    Bartholomaeus 19.  2 

Mrs.  Dorsius 5.  8 

Traveling  expenses  of  elders 15.  4 

Pennsylvania  currency   418.         15.       6 

Eeceived  from  Messrs.  Benjamin  and  Samuel  Shoemaker,  418  pounds 
8  shillings. 

(131) 


COETAL   LETTER   OP   JUNE,   1755,   ADDRESSED   TO 
THE  CLASSIS  OF  A]\ISTERDAM. 

(N.  B.,  No.  795.) 

[Address  in  French.]  To  Monsieur  Pfeiffers,  Minister  of  the  Gospel, 
and  at  present  faithful,  -worthy,  ajid  learned  Deputy  of  the  Eev.  Synod 
of  North  Holland  at  Amsterdam. 

Philadelphia,  June,  1755. 
Very  Beverend  and  Learned   Sirs,  Deputies   of   the  Bev.   and   Highly 

Esteemed   Classis   of  Amsterdam,   Highly   Esteemed  and  Benevolent 

Fathers,  and  Godly  Benefactors,  etc.: 

I  herewith,  most  obediently,  send  you  the  Minutes  of  our  Coetus,  held 
in  April,  which  in  the  original  I  transmitted  first  in  the  latter  part  of 
April  to  Eev.  Deputy  Sandiford  via  London,  and  in  the  preceding  month 
(for  fear  of  the  war)  via  New  York,  with  request  that  he  would  kindly 
communicate  the  same  to  you.  From  these  Minutes  you  will  doubtless 
have  learned  with  joy  how  our  last  Coetus  acted  so  unanimously,  and 
as  I  trust  with  blessed  results,  and  that  there  is  good  reason  to  hope 
that  the  Pennsylvania  church  affairs  have  (God  grant  it)  reached  a  good 
standing;  also  that  I  will  be  enabled,  by  reason  of  the  general  visitation 
committed  to  me  by  the  Rev.  Coetus,  to  send  towards  fall  an  exact 
report  to  Holland  as  to  how  strong  all  our  churches  are,  how  many 
ministers  are  yet  needed,  how  many  schools,  in  what  places  they  are 
already  erected,  and  where  such  are  still  lacking;  also  that,  with  God's 
gracious  help,  I  purpose  to  employ  m.y  leisure  time  gradually  to  intro- 
duce good  regulations  among  the  ministers  and  the  churches,  to  estab- 
lish a  V/idow's  Fund,  and  to  seek  to  undertake  other  improvements,  so 
that  even  here  we  may  arrive  at  last,  with  God 's  help,  at  regular  church- 
government,  and  further  remain  a  worthy  object  of  your  love,  favor  and 
compassion.  Thus  you,  as  well  as  we,  may  subsequently  have  great 
reason  to  praise  the  goodness  of  God. 

Before  3  conclude  I  take  the  liberty  to  implore  God,  in  humility  and 
with  all  my  heart  and  soul,  that  the  Netherland  Church  and  State  may 
forever  flourish,  continue  to  remain  the  glory  of  the  earth,  so  that  the 
precious  golden  candle  of  the  beloved  Gospel  light  may  spread  abroad 
its  rays  with  lustre  from  you  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth,  to 
enlighten  those  who  live  in  darkness,  and  to  bring  joy  to  those  who  love 
the  purity  of  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  and  the  Netherland  confession 
of  faith.  I  will  only  add  that  I,  with  the  most  complete  respect,  and 
the  most  tender  and  sincere  esteem,  desire  to  count  it  all  my  life  an 
honor  to  be  permitted  to  remain.  Reverend  and  Learned  Sirs,  your 
Reverences'  unworthy  but  humble  and  most  willing  servant. 

Mich.  Schlatter. 

(132) 


LETTER  OX  THE  SPECIAL  COETUS,  HELD  L\ 
LANCASTER,  OCTOBER  S,  1755.* 

(X.  B,  Xo.  SIS.) 
Very  Ecverend  and  Learned  Sirs,  Venerahle  FatJiers: 

Your  letters,  Venerable  Fathers,  both  the  Synodical  of  the 
1st  of  i\Iay  and  the  Classical  of  the  2d  of  June,  were  duly 
received  by  us  about  the  end  of  last  month.  From  their 
contents  we  learn  that  our  proceedings  of  the  2d  of  Xovem- 
ber  of  last  year  were  transmitted  to  you.  "We  trust  that  you 
have  likewise  received  the  Acts  of  our  regular  Coetus,  held 
in  Lancaster  on  the  9th  of  April  and  following  days  of  this 
year,  1755.  Now  therefore,  as  it  is  becoming,  we  shall  make 
a  suitable  reply  to  your  letters.  Venerable  Fathers,  referred 
to  in  the  beginning. 

First  of  all,  we  ask  your  pardon,  that,  under  urgent  neces- 
sity, we  were  unable  to  postpone  the  consideration  of  your 
letters,  on  account  of  their  importance,  to  the  time  of  our 
regular  Coetus  in  the  coming  spring.  But  we  were  rather 
compelled  to  meet  in 

SPECIAL   SESSION. 

To  this  action  we  were  persuaded,  first  by  the  report  that 
Do.  Christopher  Muentz  had  been  sent  over  to  us  by  the 
Christian  Sjoiods.  Moreover,  the  war  sweeping  over  this 
country,  and  worse  than  the  Parthian  war,  did  not  permit 
delay.  This  war,  which  has  begiui  to  disturb  our  country, 
particularly  Pennsylvania,  caused  so  great  peril  and  terror 
that  neither  our  elders  nor  all  our  ministers  were  able  to 
attend  our  assembly.  May  God  keep  us  from  falling  into 
the  hands  of  the  barbarians,  who  are  more  savage  than  -wild 
beasts. 

AVe  now  come  to  the  contents  of  your  letters.  AVe  have 
learned  from  them  that  to  our  Coetal  proceedings  Do.  Schlat- 
ter added  a  letter,  containing  some  other  things  of  which 

*  For  the  date  of  this  Coetus,  see  Minutes  of  1756,  Art.  3;  1757,  pp. 
156,  164;  and  1758,  p.  165. 

(133) 


134  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

there  is  no  mention  in  the  proceedings  themselves.  This 
appears  to  be  not  unlike  fraud.*  Nor  can  that  be  placed 
to  our  account  what  is  not  contained  in  the  proceedings 
themselves.  For  the  rest  let  !Mr.  Sclilatter  be  responsible, 
whom,  if  it  could  have  been  done  with  the  permission  of  the 
Rev.  Fathers,  we  would  have  preferred  as  our  amanuensis 
to  his  being  the  superintendent.  Indeed,  the  powers  of 
action,  granted  to  him  by  us,  had  been  circumscribed  to  such 
restricted  limits  in  order  that  he  might  do  nothing  whatever 
^rithout  our  knowledge.  Neither  was  compulsion  needed, 
nor  many  persuasions,  to  induce  him  to  assume  such  an 
office.  On  the  contrary,  Ave  saw  that  he  was  very  eager  for 
it.  Yea,  of  his  oaati  accord  he  offered  himself,  and  under- 
took the  work  not  un^villingly,  knowing  that  the  burden  of 
the  schools  would  not  be  too  great  for  him.  Thus  we  assented 
to  Mr.  Schlatter's  wishes  for  the  sake  of  preserving  friend- 
ship. But  now  we  not  only  submit  to  your  demand.  Vener- 
able Fathers,  again  to  dismiss  j\Ir.  Schlatter,  but  we  also  ask 
your  pardon  for  the  error  committed  by  receiving  Mr. 
Schlatter  against  your  wishes,  and  we  grieve  that  at  least 
some  of  us,  through  our  too  great  love  for  ]Mr.  Sclilatter, 
were  not  cautious  enough,  and  suffered  him  to  abuse  our 
simplicity  and  good  intentions. 

We  also  learn,  with  great  sorrow,  from  your  letters.  Vener- 
able Fathers,  that  our  ecclesiastical  affairs  are  no  longer 
carried  on  A\dtli  the  same  zeal  every^vhere  and  by  all  in 
Europe.  But  rather  that  the  former  zeal  has  waned  at  a 
time  when  our  affairs  have  hardly  begun  to  be  in  a  good 
condition.  But  how  quickly  will  they  collapse  if  you  deny 
us  your  helping  hand.  ]\lay  God  incb'ne  your  hearts  to 
render  us  still  longer  help.  For  our  churches  are  numerous 
and  the  number  of  Germans  is  everywhere  large,  but  most 
of  them  have  recently  been  imported  to  this  country  and 
thus  far  are  poor.  Many  rich  people  have  left  the  church 
and  live  \rithout  it;  many  have  sworn  off  all  religion. 

*  This  charge  is  altogether  groundless,  as  Schlatter  was  definitely 
authorized  by  the  Coctus  to  •^Tite  the  Post  Acta  contained  in  the  letter 
of  December  17,  1754,  see  llinutes  of  1754,  session  II.,  art.  7,  p.  118. 


BECOBDS  OF  1755.  135 

AYitli  reference  to  Do.  Rubel  and  our  actions  regarding 
him  we  believe,  for  good  reasons,  that  we  have  not  acted 
unjustly,  but  according  to  your  own  will  and  desire.  But 
that  we  may  not,  ^vithout  reason,  digress  too  far,  we  may 
be  allowed  to  refer  you  to  our  resolutions,  which  we  have 
sent  over  to  you  about  all  his  doings,  especially  in  what 
manner  he  acted  immediately  after  our  arrival  in  Phila- 
delphia, hovv'  he  disturbed  our  first  Coetus,  held  in  1752  in 
Lancaster,  and  how  disgracefully  he  even  persuaded  others 
to  leave  our  Coetus.  ^WTiatever  other  charges  there  were 
we  pass  them  by  in  order  to  spare  him  in  his  absence;  but 

a.  \\e  have  not  only  treated,  in  a  dignified  manner,  the 
conduct  of  the  rebellious  Kubel,  but  we  have  also  acted  in 
accordance  \\i\h  your  command.  You  demanded  that  those 
who  left  and  disturbed  the  Coetus  should  be  excluded  in  the 
distribution  of  your  donations,  see  Acts  of  the  SjTiod,  March 
31,  1753,  sent  to  us  tlirough  Do.  Bernhard  De  Moor,  our 
Reverend  Father,  and  at  that  time  a  Deputy  of  the  Synods. 
In  these  Acts,  about  the  middle  of  the  second  paragraph, 
are  found  these  words: 

"But  no  one  shall  be  his  ovm.  judge  and  no  church  shall 
act  independent  of  the  Coetus,"  etc.,  to  the  end  of  the  para- 
graph.* Now  Rubel  is  guilty  of  all  these  things  above  men- 
tioned, as  can  be  sho^-n  by  many  proofs,  and  is  also  partly 
knoT^TL  to  you.  Venerable  Fathers. 

b.  AYe  have  rendered  an  exact  account  of  the  distribution 
of  the  subsidies,  from  the  first  of  which  Do.  Rubel  was 
excluded,  which  you  have  approved  not  only  in  private  but 
also  in  official  letters. 

c.  We  have  always  communicated  to  Do.  Rubel  whatever 
was  to  be  communicated.  AMiat  Do.  Rubel  will  answer  to 
this  has  about  as  much  force  of  reason  as  the  following: 
He  may  say  that  he  left  us  because  we  did  not  approve  of 
liis  bricked  actions.     Let  who  will  speak  thus. 

d.  You  yourselves,  Venerable  Fathers,  can  easily  infer 
that  the  repentance  which  Do.  Rubel  showed  when  he  asked 
permission  of  you  to  leave  Pennsylvania  was  only  the  indi- 

*  A  copy  of  this  letter  is  at  the  Hague,  74,  i.  64. 


136  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

cation  of  antecedent  deception.  This  deception,  or  rather 
the  shameful  lying,  of  Do.  Rubel  we  can  also  infer  from  the 
fact  that  he  complained  about  his  salarj^  which  we  are 
ordered  to  pay  him  in  full  to  the  present  time  by  giving 
him  400  guilders.  Ys"e  do  not  refuse  this,  because  we  cannot 
refuse  obedience.  ]\Ieanwhile  what  we  wish  to  remark  con- 
cerning it,  witli  your  kind  permission.  Venerable  Fathers, 
is  the  following: 

1.  Whence  shall  we  give  it?  Out  of  our  [last]  contribu- 
tions? Nothing  is  left  of  them.  Shall  we  give  it  from  the 
next  contribution?  We  shall  do  so.  Hence  because  Do. 
Rubel  has  received  nothing  [hitherto  and  is  yet  to  be  paid] 
our  salary  has  not  been  increased. 

2.  Our  salary,  fixed  in  Holland,  does  not  exceed  450  Dutch 
guilders.  According  to  Pennsylvania  money  this  is  6IV2 
pounds.*  It  may  be  that  some  of  us  are  satisfied,  but  none 
of  us  has  ever  been  paid  for  all  his  labor  and  inexpressible 
troubles,  which  Rubel  certainly  has  not  experienced  in  this 
country.  While  he  could  walk  from  his  house  into  the 
church,  others  had  to  live  for  days  in  the  forests  and  were 
compelled  to  travel  alone  on  horseback  a  distaoice  of  six, 
eight,  ten  and  sometimes  even  tw^enty  miles. 

3.  Each  year,  as  we  know  for  certain,  Rubel  received  from 
Philadelphia  sixty  pounds  as  salary,  besides  house,  rent 
free.  Consequently  he  never  lacked  more  than  seven  and  a 
half  pounds.  We  know  indeed  that  he  was  not  paid  the 
v/hole  salary  each  j^ear  by  the  members  in  Philadelphia,  but 
when  he  left  they  had  to  pay  him  all  tliat  remained,  to  the 
last  penny. 

4.  Besides,  there  was  also  a  certain  congregation  outside 
of  Philadelphia,  visited  by  Do.  Rubel  from  time  to  time, 
which  paid  him  liberally  what  he  lacked  in  Philadelphia. 
We  admit  w^hat  he  received  was  outside  of  I'hiladelphia. 
But  if  that  is  added  to  his  salary,  which  we  are  to  give  him 

*  A  Pennsylvania  pound  was  half  of  the  English  pound  sterling.  The 
latter  being  at  present  $4.84,  the  former  ought  to  have  been  $2.42,  but 
in  reality  it  was  always  more.  Three  pounds  may  be  regarded  aa  equiv- 
alent to  eight  dollars. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1755.  137 

at  the  order  of  the  Reverend  Fathers,  he  will  receive  more 
than  any  of  us,  which  is  contrary  to  the  German  letter  dated 
Amsterdam,  April  2,  1753,  in  which,  after  our  salary  had 
been  referred  to  as  fixed  at  450  guilders,  we  find  these  words : 
"And  not  higher  than  that,"  namely,  not  more  than  450 
guilders.  And  although  Do.  Rubel  could  demand,  according 
to  agreement,  only  671/2  pounds  per  year,  he  will  now  receive 
90  pounds.  Thus,  being  rebellious,  he  has  chosen  in  all 
things  the  better  part  before  all  others,  who  have  sought  to 
remain  [faithful]  in  their  positions.  The  success  of  the 
wicked  incites  still  others  to  disregard  the  warning  inserted 
by  the  Rev.  Fathers  into  the  German  letter  mentioned  above. 

With  regard  to  the  distribution  of  the  benevolent  contri- 
butions or  subsidies,  made  in  the  absence  of  the  elders,  this 
was  not  done  out  of  our  own  choice  and  desire,  but  according 
to  the  express  demand  and  order  of  the  Reverend  Fathers. 
For  what  is  plainer  than  these  words:  "Although  the  elders 
have  the  privilege  to  attend  the  Coetus,  they  shall  not  have 
the  least  voice  in  the  distribution  of  the  benevolent  contri- 
butions. This  belongs  to  the  ministers  alone."  (See  Acts 
of  Synod  of  March  20th  and  21st,  1754,  and  March  31,  1753.) 
According  to  these  injunctions  we  have  always  rendered  to 
you  an  account  of  the  money  divided  by  us.  Meanwhile 
we  have  admitted  the  elders.  May  it  not  injure  us!  For 
we  shall  carry  out  whatever  we  are  commanded,  because  we 
cannot  be  anything  else  but  unprofitable  servants,  even  if 
we  have  done  all  things. 

Your  most  agreeable  and  paternal  admonitions,  given 
mainly  to  ministers  about  the  manner  of  performing  their 
ecclesiastical  duties  and  how  to  proceed  in  their  congrega- 
tions Avith  the  greatest  care,  are  not  only  gladly  received  by 
us,  but  we  shall  always  follow  them  as  much  as  possible,  they 
being  most  salutary  counsels. 

Further,  we  learn  from  your  letters,  especially  the  Class- 
ical, that  our  condition  has  been  described  to  jovl.  under  a 
sad  and  terrible  aspect,  by  reason  of  the  Papacy  invading 
this  country.  "Whence  this  rumor  comes  is  indeed  unknown 
to  us,  but  you  may  believe  it  to  be  absolutely  false.     None 


138  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

of  us  knows  many  priests.  Nor  does  any  one  in  these  regions 
easily  go  over  to  the  Catholic  camp.  In  Europe  this  hap- 
pens often  on  account  of  some  advantage.  But  in  this  coun- 
try there  is  no  advantage  in  apostacy.  We  Imow  only  one 
Jesuit  in  the  whole  province  of  Pennsylvania.  We  do  not 
know  any  French  Jesuits  at  all,  nor  will  they  be  tolerated 
as  long  as  we  cannot  be  compelled  to  bear  the  French  yoke. 
Indeed,  if  there  are  any  Catholics,  they  are  converted  through 
the  use  of  the  Sacred  Scriptures,  which,  as  we  ourselves 
know,  are  as  often  in  their  hands  as  in  those  of  others. 

Finally  we  turn  to  those  schools  which  by  their  proper 
name  are  called  Free  or  Charitable  Schools,  whose  oversight 
w^as  entrusted  to  Do.  Schlatter.  Of  w^hat  future  use  they 
will  be  to  us  Ave  do  not  know  thus  far.  Apparently  at  least, 
and  most  likely,  they  will  not  be  of  much  public  or  private 
service  to  our  Church,  because 

1.  The  only  object  of  these  schools  is  the  introduction  of 
the  English  language  among  the  Germans,  which  is  purely  a 
political  matter,  hence 

2.  Our  German  schools  can  expect  nothing,  as  examples 
show. 

3.  What  has  appeared  to  us  especially  wonderful  and 
strange  is,  that  the  direction  and  management  of  these  schools 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Trustees  has  been  entrusted — the 
Reformed  in  Lancaster,  for  example,  having  been  entirely 
passed  over — to  Moravians,  Quakers,  Separatists,  perchance 
even  Deists  and  others  of  this  class.  Can  you  think  of  a 
wolf  caring  for  the  pastures  of  fleece-bearing  sheep  ? 

This,  however,  was  somewhat  changed  after  we  had  com- 
plained about  it,  but  not  wdthout  hatred  being  aroused 
against  us;  for  when  we  objected  to  the  arrangement  as  not 
being  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of  the  Rev.  Fathers, 
Do.  Smith,  the  Secretary  of  the  noble  Trustees,  in  a  letter 
to  Do.  Otterbein  responded:  ''The  Fathers  in  Holland  have 
nothing  to  do  in  it."  Indeed,  on  another  occasion  a  certain 
one  of  iLS  w^as  obliged  to  hear  these  words:  ''The  Lutherans 
are  nigher  to  the  Church  of  England  than  the  Presbyterians 
are."    Which  in  fact  we  are  experiencing,  for  in  a  certain 


BECOBDS  OF  1755.  I39 

way  to  us  applies  the  saying  of  the  poet:  Vos  non  vobis 
mellificatis  apes.* 

But  an  account  as  to  what  belongs  to  this  whole  work,  and 
in  what  manner  it  will  be  regulated  and  conducted,  has  been 
published,  and  its  scheme  can  be  seen  in  a  certain  pamphlet, 
printed  in  this  place  under  the  title :  "  A  Brief  History  of 
the  Charitable  Scheme  for  Instructing  Poor  Germans  in 
Pennsylvania."  The  gymnasium  [college],  for  which  we 
hoped,  has  come  to  naught. 

Finally,  Venerable  Fathers,  we  return  our  most  sincere 
thanks  to  you.  0  that  we  could  show  a  wortliy  gratitude 
for  the  unspeakable  favor  and  kindness  which  you  have  thus 
far  bestowed  upon  us !  May  God,  the  Greatest,  Highest  and 
Best,  preserve  you  and  make  you  pillars  in  his  Zion  on  earth 
and  finally  give  you  the  glorious  appearance  of  his  Son  in 
heaven  above. 

With  this  most  fervent  wish  we  commend  ourselves  to  your 
further  protection  and  favor.  Most  Venerable  and  Learned 
Sirs,  Reverend  Fathers,  your  servants  and  most  devoted 
clients.  In  the  name  of  all, 

William  Stoy. 

*  You  are  bees  not  making  honey  for  yourselves. 


MINUTES    OF    COETUS,    HELD    IN   PHILADELPHIA, 
JUNE  15-17,  1756. 

(Hague  92,  B.  17.) 
Most    Ho^iorahle    and    Learned    Sirs,    Venerable    Fathers, 

Zealous   Deputies   of   the    Synods    of   North    and    South 

Holland: 

Herewith  we  again  submit  to  you,  Venerable  Fathers,  the 
Acts  of  our  Coetus,  held  in  Philadelphia  on  the  15th,  16th 
and  17th  of  the  month  of  June  of  this  current  year,  1756. 

1.  The  opening  of  the  Coetus,  held  on  the  days  mentioned 
above,  was  made  by  Do.  J.  P.  Leydich,  Secretary  p.  t.,  who 
preached  before  the  public  assembly  of  the  Coetus  on  the 
words.  Song  of  Solomon  5.  2,  the  first  part,  at  10  A.  M.  on 
the  15th  of  June.  When  this  meeting  was  ended  Do.  J.  B. 
Kieger  was  chosen  President  and  Do.  J.  P.  Leydich  Secre- 
tary, each  one  according  to  your  decision,  Venerable  Fathers, 
by  which  you  have  determined  the  tenure  of  office.  Like- 
wise Do.  Steiner  was  made  Assessor. 

FIRST    SESSION. 

2.  The  time  of  the  forenoon  having  elapsed,  we  came 
together  in  the  afternoon  at  2  o'clock.  This  first  regular 
session  was  opened  with  prayer.  Afterwards  we  deliberated 
in  what  order  and  manner  the  present  particular  affairs 
of  the  Pennsylvania  churches  might  best  be  treated.  And 
thus  we  privately  discussed  the  affairs  concerning  every 
minister  in  turn,  and  then  followed  the  discussion  of  the 
morals  (censura  morum). 

SECOND  SESSION. 

3.  On  the  16th  of  June  we  opened  the  second  session  at 
8  A.  M.  First  of  all  your  letters  were  read  to  all  the  mem- 
bers present,  and  were  gladly  received.  They  were  those 
sent  to  us  in  the  last  year,  dated  Amsterdam,  the  2d  of 
June,  as  well  as  the  Synodical  letters  dated  Schydam,  May 
1st,  1755.  To  these  letters,  now  again  taken  up,  we  re- 
sponded by  duplicates  in  the  month  of  October  of  last  year, 

(140) 


BECOEDS  OF  1756.  141 

which  answer  we  hope  has  reached  you.  There  were  also 
read  the  Synodical  letters  dated  Breda,  January  6th,  1756, 
and  the  Classical,  dated  Amsterdam,  January  13th,  1756, 
and  finally  also  the  letter  dated  Schydam,  November  25th, 
1755,  was  handed  to  us,  together  with  the  money  assigned 
to  us,  namely,  2620  guilders  Holland  currency,  or,  according 
to  our  Pennsylvania  money,  374  pounds  6  shillings,  except 
50  guilders,  which  were  sent  in  the  name  of  Do.  Otterbein 
to  his  mother. 

4.  To  all  these  letters  we  now  give  an  appropriate  answ^er. 
Nor  could  we  do  so  any  sooner  because  the  former  letters  " 
were  much  delayed  by  the  long  journey  of  Do.  Chr.  Muenz. 

Now  with  regard  to  the  rules  drawn  up  at  the  Coetus  of 
last  year,  and  called  for  by  the  Venerable  Fathers,  we  deemed 
it  well  for  reasons  then  obvious,  but  now  partly  removed,  to 
resolve : 

a.  That  nothing  be  ordered  or  resolved  unless  at  least  by 
far  the  greater  number  of  those  present,  as  v^^ell  as  the  absent 
ones,  agreed  to  the  matters  to  be  determined. 

b.  Much  less  shall  any  one  of  us  be  allowed  to  do  anything 
according  to  his  o^^ti  wish  and  privately,  but  with  the  knowl- 
edge and  consent  of  all,  or,  in  case  of  necessity  and  urgency, 
at  least  with  the  consent  of  the  majority. 

c.  Matters  of  any  importance  shall  immediately  and  with- 
out delay,  in  the  presence  of  all  or  at  least  of  the  majority, 
be  entered  upon  the  Minutes. 

d.  In  any  case  which  is  doubtful,  because  of  a  tie  in  the 
votes,  the  President  shall  decide  the  matter  by  a  double  vote. 

e.  None  of  us  shall  be  allowed  to  go  into  the  congregation 
of  another  brother,  or  administer,  in  the  same  or  outside,  the 
Sacraments  to  persons  belonging  to  another  congregation, 
or  in  anywise  infringe  upon  Christian  order.  A  case  of 
necessity,  growing  out  of  a  request  of  a  sick  brother,  is 
excepted. 

f.  Ministers,  as  well  as  elders,  shall  abstain  from  private 
conversation  during  the  Coetus,  and  attend  only  to  the  affairs 
of  the  Coetus. 

g.  If — vv^hich  is  against  our  hope — a  quarrel  should  arise 
between  ministers  and  elders,  we  shall  not  separate  unless 
it  be  adjusted  and  ended. 


142  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

5.  There  is  nothing  new  in  all  this;  we  have  only  revived 
rules  (that  ought  not  to  have  been  forgotten)  on  account 
of  reasons  which,  as  we  have  said,  were  obvious,  and  can 
partly  be  seen  in  our  letter  of  last  October. 

6.  Whatever  we  wrote  in  our  former  public  acts  about  Dos. 
Schlatter,  Eubel,  and  the  Philadelphia  congregation  has  been 
fulfilled  in  every  respect.  For  after  Do.  Schlatter  and  Do. 
Rubel  had  laid  down  their  work  in  Philadelphia  the  burden 
of  serving  the  congregation,  for  a  longer  time  jointly  and  in 
turn,  became  too  heavy  for  our  ministers,  nor  was  Do.  Steiner, 
who  served  the  Philadelphia  congregation  alone  for  half  a 
year,  any  longer  fitted  for  the  work.  Therefore  we  were 
compelled  in  our  last  Coetus  to  help  said  congregation  in 
some  other  way.  Especially  because  the  death  of  Do.  ]\Iuenz 
(for  he  died  on  the  way)  greatly  interfered  \^dth  our  caring 
for  them  with  less  difficulty.  After  this  matter  had  been 
more  thoroughly  deliberated  upon  (for  necessity  must  be 
taken  into  account) ,  we  concluded  that  some  one  of  us  ought 
to  make  a  change,  namely,  that  Do.  "W.  Stoy,  thus  far  min- 
ister at  Tulpehocken,  should  resign  at  least  for  a  year  and 
go  to  Philadelphia,  although  unwilling  to  do  so,  his  congre- 
gation equally  suffering.  Meanwhile  we  would  see  whether, 
during  the  course  of  the  year,  a  new  minister  could  be  sent 
over  to  us  by  the  Venerable  Fathers  to  supply  our  wants, 
especially  since  Do.  Stoy  was  by  no  means  willing  to  pledge 
himself  for  a  longer  time.  About  this  affair  the  Philadel- 
phians  wished  to  write  letters  to  the  Venerable  Synods  as 
well  as  to  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  After  the  close  of  the 
third  session,  on  the  16th  of  June,  we  submitted  our  propo- 
sition publicly  to  a  congregational  meeting  in  the  church  in 
Philadelphia,  and  it  was  approved  by  all  the  members  of  the 
Philadelphia  congregation.  But  in  order  not  to  make  vacant 
the  congregation  at  Tulpehocken  by  the  departure  of  Do. 
Stoy  we  arranged  the  matter  in  this  way,  that  Do.  Wald- 
schmidt  should  take  upon  himself  the  preaching  of  the  Word 
at  Tulpehocken  (for  he  is  nearest  to  this  place),  and  that  his 
former  congregations  should  be  supplied  with  Word  and 
Sacraments  as  much  as  possible  by  Dos.  Rieger  and  Otterbein. 
Thus  Do.  Stoy  was  ordered  to  begin  his  ministry  at  Phila- 
delphia on  the  10th  of  July  following,  and  Dos.  Rieger  and 


BECOFiDS  OF  1756.  I43 

Otterbein  were  commissioned  to  install  Do.  AValdsehmidt  at 
Tulpehocken  on  the  Gth  of  the  same  month.  We  are  of  the 
opinion  that  all  of  these  things  having  necessarily  been  so 
arranged,  the  burden  of  the  ministers  has  not  increased 
against  your  will,  Venerable  Fathers. 

7.  The  money  which  remained  of  the  collection  by  Reiff, 
and  the  Bibles,  which  Do.  Schlatter  had  kept  in  his  hands 
thus  far,  he  gave  up,  as  was  proper,  although  he  was  sick. 
Of  these  moneys  the  people  at  Skippack  received  100  fl.  and 
those  at  Germantown  also  100  fl.   [florins  or  guilders]. 

THIRD   SESSION. 

8.  In  regard  to  the  English  schools,  which  were  to  be  erected 
and  have  been  erected  by  the  order  of  the  most  noble  London 
Society,  we  already  gave  our  opinion  in  part,  as  much  as  then 
seemed  to  be  fitting,  in  our  letter  of  the  month  of  October  of 
last  year.  AYe  confess  that  we  had  not  formed  the  best  opin- 
ion about  them,  especially  after  our  Coetus  held  in  Lan- 
caster last  year.  We  could  see  in  the  movement  nothing 
but  a  political  affair,  which  was  altogether  a  damage  to  our 
schools.  And  that  which  displeased  us  most  was  a  certain 
expression,  to  us  seemingly  very  harsh,  Avhich  Do.  W.  Smith, 
the  Secretary  of  the  Directors  of  the  schools,  inserted  in  a 
letter  which  he  wrote  to  Do.  Otterbein  with  reference  to 
them.  These  were  his  words :  ' '  The  Fathers  in  Holland  have 
nothing  to  do  in  it."  You  will  not  wonder  that  this  appeared 
somewhat  strange  to  us.  Matters  assumed  a  different  aspect 
after  we  showed  the  Directors  your  decision  about  the  schools, 
from  your  letter  dated  Amsterdam,  January  13th,  1756.  The 
letter  which  we  sent  to  Mr.  Franklin  in  this  matter,  who  of 
all  the  Directors  was  nearest  at  hand,  you  may  see  in  the 
following,  under  letter  A.  Franklin  sent  the  delegates,  with 
the  letter,  to  the  Secretary,  Do.  Smith.  After  he  had 
read  it,  he  showed  to  us  not  only  more  clearly  the  origin  of 
the  schools  from  the  London  instructions,  but  also  delivered 
a  certain  sum  of  money  to  each  one  of  us,  as  follows : 


144  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

£. 

Do.  Rieger 10 

AYeiss 10 

Leyclich  . 10 

Stoy 10 

Otterbein 10 

Steiner 10 

Du  Bois 10 

Liscliy   10 

Waldschmidt    8 

Tempelmann    3 

In  the  future  we  shall  all  strive  to  promote  as  much  as 
possible,  for  the  glory  of  God,  the  public  as  well  as  tlie  pri- 
vate welfare  of  our  Church. 

9.  AVith  regard  to  the  congregations  at  Canawaga  [Cone- 
wago],  Reading  and  Oley,  this  is  to  be  noted,  namely,  that 
the  first  one  desires  to  be  cared  for,  by  ministers  visiting  her 
in  the  future,  in  the  same  manner  as  hitherto.  Do.  Steiner 
w^ill  take  care  of  this  charge.  The  people  of  Reading  pre- 
ferred to  retain  Do.  Stoy,  who  for  fourteen  months  led  the 
divine  services  at  that  place,  but  because  this  could  not  be 
done  they  submitted  to  the  resolution  of  the  Coetus  and 
publicly  agreed  to  accept  Do.  Waldschmidt  as  their  minister. 
They  would  rather  be  under  the  order  of  our  Coetus  than  be 
destroyed  by  worthless  fellows  and  wolves.  The  people  at 
Oley,  now  as  well  as  before,  rather  prefer  to  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  by  the  broad  way.  They  have  again 
chosen  as  their  minister  a  man  tainted  with  all  kinds  of  vices, 
a  demagogue,  because  they  hate  seriously  to  relinquish  the 
sins  of  the  world  to  follow  Christ.     Alas,  the  grief ! 

10.  An  elder  of  a  certain  congregation  beyond  the  Swat^ra 
river  appeared  who  complained  of  Do.  Tempelmann.  These 
people  erected  a  new^  church  two  years  ago.  When  it  was 
built  Do.  Stoy  Avas  asked  whether  he  would  serve  them. 
Meanwhile  a  quarrel  was  stirred  up  by  certain  members  of 
that  congregation,  and  for  that  reason  he  refused,  admon- 
ishing them  that,  ending  the  quarrel,  they  should  serve  the 
God  of  peace  in  peace.  At  the  same  time  he  suggested  to 
them  the  means  of  reconciliation.  But  since  Do.  Tempel- 
mann preferred  to  serve  people  badly  organized  rather  tlian 


BECOEDS  OF  1756.  I45 

listen  to  honest  friends  and  consult  the  brethren,  we  passed 
the  following  resolution  with  regard  to  this  affair:  Whereas, 
Do.  Tempehnann  is  carrying  a  burden  too  heavy  for  stronger 
shoulders,  resolved  that  he  must  give  up  this  congregation 
in  order  that  these  people  may  make  peace  among  themselves, 
and,  obeying  the  admonitions  of  the  Coetus,  become  more  fit 
to  accept  help. 

11.  Since  Do.  Stoy  takes  charge  of  Philadelphia,  and 
the  people  of  Germantown  are  not  able  alone  to  support  a 
minister,  therefore  we  considered  it  best  to  allow  Do.  Steiner, 
if  he  is  willing,  to  succeed  Do.  Frankenfeld,  who  died,  in  the 
congregation  of  Frederick,  situated  in  Maryland,  and  that 
Do.  Stoy  take  the  place  of  Do.  Steiner,  if  he  be  so  requested 
by  the  people  of  Germantown. 

FOURTH  SESSION. 

12.  An  elder  sent  by  the  congregation  at  Skippack, 
called  Witpen,  appeared  in  our  Coetus,  asking  that  hence- 
forth those  people  might  be  visited  by  us.  We  promised 
them  that  Do.  Stoy  should  visit  them  t^vice  a  year  on  Sun- 
days, Do.  Weiss  in  like  manner  tmce.  Do.  Leydich  once,  and 
during  the  week  as  often  as  they  themselves  would  see  fit. 

13.  There  came  to  us  also  a  Pennsylvanian,  Rudolph  Bun- 
ner  by  name,  an  honest  and  pious  man  as  it  seemed.  He 
asked  help  of  us  for  his  son,  a  young  man  of  good  talents. 
He  stated  that  his  son  had  devoted  himself  to  the  study  of 
theology.  The  young  man  had  already  for  some  time  attended 
an  English  school  in  Philadelphia,  and  had  made  some  pro- 
gress in  the  Latin  language.  As  this  was  no  longer  satisfac- 
tory to  the  father,  he  preferred  to  hand  over  his  son  to  one 
of  us,  that  according  to  the  German  custom  he  be  well  in- 
structed in  the  subjects  belonging  to  the  study  of  theology. 
We  could  not  refuse  the  request  of  this  man,  but  with  this 
condition  as  ratified  by  you,  Venerable  Fathers,  that  at  the 
proper  time  he  should  go  to  Holland  to  finish  not  only  his 
studies  there,  but  also  to  be  inducted  into  the  holy  ministry 
by  you  in  the  legitimate  manner.  This  the  father  of  the 
young  man  promised,  his  hope  and  confidence  being  placed 
in  your  help,  asking  at  the  same  time  that  we  might  most 
humbly  beseech  you  in  his  name  to  give  your  kind  assistance 

10 


146  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

to  his  son  during  his  stay  in  Holland.     With  this  condition 
Do.  Stoy  took  it  upon  himself  to  instruct  him. 

14.  Here  we  must  add  that  Do.  Smith,  the  Secretary  of  tlie 
noble  Directors,  asked  us  even  a  year  ago  to  propose  measures 
by  means  of  which  upright  young  men  might  be  prepared 
for  the  ministry.  To  these  proposals  we  gave  no  answer  in 
our  letter  to  him  up  to  the  time  of  our  present  Coetus,  when 
Dos.  Otterbein  and  Stoy  informed  us  that  five  pounds  had 
been  assigned  to  each  of  them  to  take  hold  of  this  work.  These 
two  men,  even  at  our  last  Coetus,  agreed  to  tliis  if  they  could 
have  remained  together;  but  that  sum  of  money  is  not  suffi- 
cient for  any  one. 

15.  During  this  session  Do.  Rubel  met  us,  who  with  a 
pleasant  expectation  had  undertaken  a  long  journey,  expect- 
ing now,  as  his  portion,  the  money  assigned  to  him.  What- 
ever we  have  written  in  defense  of  our  actions  toward  Do. 
Rubel  in  the  last  year  we  hope  has  reached  you.  From  these 
statements  it  will  appear  clearer  than  daylight  that  we  have 
treated  him  in  all  things  according  to  your  command.  Vener- 
able Fathers.  What  kind  of  a  man  Rubel  was  is  evident 
from  your  own  confession  in  the  letter  dated  Amsterdam, 
June  2d,  1755;  the  words  are  as  follows:  "However,  he  had 
not  properly  submitted, ' '  and  you  wished  him  to  be  excluded 
from  your  support.  We  do  not  want  now  to  repeat  all  these 
things,  lest  we  weary  you  with  a  letter  that  is  too  long.  One 
passage  only  we  may  be  permitted  to  quote  from  the  Acts  of 
Synod,  given  at  Leiden,  March  31st,  1753,  about  the  middle 
of  the  second  section:  "Since  Do.  Rubel  received,  from  the 
congregation  in  Philadelphia  400  fl.  every  year,  besides  63  from 
the  congregation  outside  of  Philadelphia,  we  are  unable  to 
see  with  what  right  Do.  Rubel  can  demand  more  of  the  Fathers 
than  is  contained  in  the  definite  agreement  of  the  Fathers  in 
the  letter  dated  Amsterdam,  April  2d,  1753,  and  how  he  can 
complain.  The  others  having  been  called  with  the  same 
privileges  and  the  same  agreement  as  Do.  Rubel  are  satisfied, 
although  they  never  received  so  much."  Meanwliile  we  have 
given  to  Do.  Rubel  100  fl.  to  supply  that  which  he  was  lacking 
in  Philadelphia  for  two  years,  namely,  1752  and  1753,  expect- 
ing that  a  definite  decision  of  the  Venerable  Fathers  would 
be  given  to  us  in  answer  to  our  very  clear  proposition.     For 


BE  COEDS  OF  1756.  I47 

we  cannot  doubt  that  Do.  Rubel  has  ^Titten  the  most  glitter- 
ing lies,  which  he  himself  also  brought  forward  in  our  Coetus, 
namely,  that  he  was  not  aware  of  his  injustice  in  asking 
400  fl. ;  nor  could  he  deceive  us  by  his  insatiable  demand,  in 
spite  of  his  donation,  not  made  by  will,  but  while  living. 
He  gave  publicly  before  the  Coetus  to  the  Philadelphia  con- 
gregation 100  fl.,  but  the  object  was  wicked.  On  the  one 
hand  he  wished  to  put  the  Philadelphia  congregation  again 
under  obligation  to  him  and  captivate  it  by  flattery;  on  the 
other  hand  to  incite  it  against  those  ministers  who  constitute 
the  Coetus,  and  thus  very  ingeniously  cause  new  trouble. 

16.  Finally  we  may  be  allowed  to  ask  whether,  if  we  must 
hand  over  all  that  money  to  Do.  Rubel,  Do.  Schlatter  should 
be  treated  in  the  same  manner,  who  during  the  two  years 
mentioned  received  more  than  any  one  of  us  ? 

17.  The  Coetus  placed  the  sick  Do.  Bartholomaeus  in  the 
eare  of  Do.  Stoy. 

18.  Coetus  also  resolved  to  ^vrite  a  letter  to  Do.  Chandler, 
a  member  of  the  most  noble  London  Society,  not  only  to 
express  our  thanks  for  the  support  given  us,  but  also  to 
describe  the  condition  of  the  Reformed  churches  in  these 
lands,  and  also  that  of  the  schools,  which  we  can  never  neglect, 
Dos.  Rieger  and  Otterbein  were  commissioned  to  write  this 
letter. 

19.  And  whereas  we  have  hitherto  requested  some  new 
ministers  for  this  country,  w^hose  number  Do.  Muenz,  sent 
by  the  Venerable  Fathers,  could  have  increased  if  it  had 
pleased  Almighty  God  to  leave  him  among  the  living,  we 
must  again  ask  you,  Venerable  Fathers,  to  continue  your 
zeal  to  help  us.  Even  two  good,  strong  men  would  be  a  great 
help  to  us  in  such  a  great  work,  which  already  has  almost 
exhausted  the  strength  of  some,  who,  if  they  survive  at  all, 
will  be  in  danger  of  carrying  that  burden  in  sunshine  and 
rain  even  longer  than  they  have  carried  it. 

20.  The  sum  of  the  distributed  money  which,  as  stated  in 
the  foregoing,  vras  received  by  us  of  Messrs.  Benj.  and  Saml. 
Schumacher  is  found  added  under  letter  B. 

21.  Finally  we  implore  you.  Venerable  Fathers,  that  you 
will  not  refuse  us  your  support  and  your  exceedingly  great 
liberality,  without  which  none  of  us  could  have  subsisted 


148  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

thus  far.  TTe  also  express  to  you  our  highest  gratitude  for 
the  help  extended  to  us  and  the  Pennsylvania  churches  under 
the  favor  of  God.  May  God  Almighty  reward  you  with 
grace,  and,  with  manifold  benediction,  heap  upon  you  the 
varied  gifts  of  his  own  omnipotent  Spirit,  through  whom  you 
may  here  be  a  light  and  yonder  the  resplendent  glory  of 
Christ.     Amen. 

With  this  most  fervent  wish  for  you.  Venerable  Fathers, 
most  learned  Sirs  and  zealous  Deputies  of  the  Synods  of  North 
and  South  Holland,  in  the  name  of  all  the  brethren  we  sub- 
scribe ourselves,  J.  B.  Rieger,  p.  t.  Praeses  Coetus. 

J.  P.  Leydich,  p.  t.  Scriba. 


LETTER  OF  COETUS  TO  B.  FRANKLIN,  JUNE  16,  1756. 
(Hague  92,  B.  17  A.) 

Sir: 

Out  Coetus  having  received  letters  from  the  Rev.  Synods  of  Holland 
and  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  in  which  they,  in  a  most  friendly  manner, 
desire  us  to  let  them  know  by  the  first  opportunity  what  we  ministers 
have  received  from  the  honorable  Society  in  London  as  a  supplement 
to  our  salaries,  concerning  which  we  in  our  present  circumstances  can- 
not give  a  satisfactory  account,  because  some  have  received  and  others 
not;  therefore,  we,  in  a  most  humble  manner,  desire  to  know  whether 
those  are  to  receive  any  certain  sum  or  not,  that  we  may  be  enabled 
to  let  our  Rev.  Fathers  in  Holland  know  who  they  are  and  who  not. 
Their  words  are  as  follows:  ''We  find  it  very  necessary  and  useful  that 
the  Coetus  take  an  interest  in  the  schools  already  established  (of  which 
we  have  the  greatest  expectations,  and  upon  which  we  invoke  heartily 
the  divine  blessing),  and  concerning  them  confer  in  every  way  grate- 
fully and  amicably  with  the  Messrs.  Directors,  appointed  thereto  by  the 
Honorable  London  Society.  We  desire  also  to  learn  from  them  whether 
the  Honorable  Society  has  not  already  given  something  for  the  increase 
of  the  salary  of  the  ministei*s,  and  we  request  that  such  be,  on  each 
occasion,  made  known  to  us  without  reserve,  since  this  will  tend  to  our 
gladness  and  encourage  us  the  more  to  see  to  it  that  the  number  of 
ministers  be  increased."  In  the  name  of  the  Coetus, 

J.  B.  Rieger,  President. 
J.  P.  Leydich,  Clerk. 


ACCOUNT  OF  THE  MONEY  DISTRIBUTED. 


(Hague  92,  B.  17  B.) 


The  ministers  have  received  : 

Do.  Weiss 27 

Do.  Leidich 27 

Do.  Steiner 32 

To  the  same  because  of  Phil- 
adelphia    10 

Do.  Eieger 20 

Do.  Stoy 31 

Do.  Otterbein 15 

Do.  Du  Bois 18 

Do.  Waldschmidt 32 

Do.  Lischy 27 

Do.  Tempelman 10 

Sum 251 

We  owed  for  reasons  given 
above : 

Do.  Schlatter    23 

Do.  Kubel 15 


Sum 


38 


s. 
10 
10 
10 


10 


10 


10 


We  gave 

to  the  Elders  for 

their  journey  : 

To  Elder  of  Do.  Leidich... 

1 

U             <.( 

''  Do.  Weiss  .... 

1 

u        u 

"  Do.  Otterbein.. 

1 

U             li 

' '  Do.  Du  Bois  . . 

12 

((         i  I 

'^  Do.  Stoy 

1 

10 

Sum   

5 

2 

Total   

294 

12 

To  the  teachers  were  given  : 
£. 

At  Lancaster 5 

At  Falkner  Swamp 5 

..  3 
.  3 
.  3 
.  3 
.  2 
.  6 
.       3 


Heading 

Cocalico 

York 

Creutz  Creek 

To  a  certain  Achen 

Philadelphia 

To  a  certain  Weigand  . . . 

To  a  certain  Merkley 2 


Sum    35 

To  the  widow  of  Do.  Muenz.  12 

'■•    ''        ''      "Do.  Wisler.  6 

"    "    wife  of  Dorsius 4 

For  the  support  of  Barthol- 

omaeus 15 

Sum   37 

Total 72 

Grand  total  . .  366     12 
And  thus  there  remain  7£  8s. ,  which 
latter  sum  was  used   for  the  ex- 
penses of  the  Coetus. 


(149) 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS,  HELD  IN  LANCASTER,  JL^^E 
8-9,  1757,  INCLUDING  THE  MINUTES  OF  A  SPE- 
CIAL MEETING,   HELD   IN  PHILADELPHIA, 
AUGUST  24,  1757. 

(Hague  92,  B.  25  and  N.  B.,  No.  8421/2.) 
Much  Honored,  Most  Eenowned  and  Most  Vigilant  Pastors 

of  the  Church  of  Amsterdam, 
Venerable  Fathers: 

Since  in  our  Coetus,  held  last  year  in  Philadelphia,  we 
had  passed  the  resolution  that  the  brethren  should  come 
together  for  the  regular  Coetus  to  be  held  in  the  present  year 
in  Lancaster  on  the  8th  day  of  June  (God  willing),  and  as 
we  have  now  come  together,  being  united  in  fraternal  love, 
we  have  transacted  a  few  things  which  follow. 

Acts  of  the  Reformed  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  held  in 
Lancaster,  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  June,  1757. 

The  Reverend  brethren  who  came  together  for  the  Coetus 
of  this  year  were  the  following:  Dos.  Rieger,  Waldschmidt, 
Otterbein,  Stoy,  Du  Bois  and  Conrad  Steiner.  Dos.  Weiss 
and  Leydich  were  absent  on  account  of  severe  sickness,  with 
which  tliey  were  afflicted.  Do.  Tempelmann  was  absent  on 
account  of  his  defective  eye-sight;  Do.  Lischy  on  account  of 
the  consciousness  of  his  wrong  doing,  as  will  appear  from  the 
Minutes. 

After  the  above-mentioned  brethren  had  assembled,  the 
Coetus  was  opened  with  a  public  meeting  conducted  by  Con- 
rad Steiner,  the  Secretary  of  the  Coetus  during  this  year, 
who  preached  on  Mark  vi.  12,  which  words  Avere  chosen  by 
me  mostly  for  this  reason,  that  in  the  present  time,  on  account 
of  the  very  corrupt  morals  of  men  and  the  imminent,  grave 
calamities,  conversion  is  the  one  thing  necessary  to  change 
men  and  avert  the  judgments  of  God,  wherefore  I  seriously 
and  strongly  urged  the  Reverend  brethren  to  teach  and  incul- 
cate this  most  necessary  awakening. 

The  office  of  the  President,  which,  according  to  the  pre- 
scribed order,  Do.  Leydich  ought  to  have  taken,  was,  on  ac- 

(150) 


BECOBDS  OF  1757. 


151 


count  of  Ms  absence,  entrusted  to  Do.  Otterbein,  and  the  office 
of  Secretary  devolved  upon  me. 

The  first  session  was  opened  by  the  Moderator  of  the 
Coetus  offering  up  fervent  prayer.  When  this  was  ended  the 
elders  of  the  congregations  in  Philadelphia  and  Germantown, 
sent  to  our  Coetus,  were  heard,  who  wished  to  know  of  us 
first  of  all  whether  Do.  Stoy,  to  whom  had  been  entrusted 
by  our  Coetus  in  the  last  year  the  care  of  both  congregations 
(Philadelphia  and  Germantown)  only  for  the  space  of  one 
year,  should  remain  with  them  any  longer  and  discharge  the 
duties  of  his  ministerial  office.  Asked  about  his  opinion 
concerning  this  question,  Do.  Stoy  answered  as  follows:  That 
on  account  of  his  changed  circumstances,  mostly  on  account 
of  his  restored  health  and  renewed  strength  of  body  and  soul, 
and  because  of  the  lack  of  another  minister,  he  promised 
again  to  take  upon  himself  the  care  of  the  congregations  in 
Philadelphia  and  Germantown,  although  before  he  had  re- 
solved in  his  mind  and  decided  to  return  to  the  Fatherland, 
about  which  matter,  however.  Do.  Stoy  will  himself  write 
more  at  length  in  his  own  letter  to  the  Venerable  Fathers. 

Secondly,  the  Germantown  elder  asked  us  especially  that 
by  our  command  and  authority  the  congregation  of  German- 
town  should  henceforth,  equally  with  the  congregation  of 
Philadelphia,  enjoy  the  ministry  of  Do.  Stoy,  that  they  might 
have  divine  services,  at  least  through  the  summer  when  the 
days  are  longer,  alternately  in  the  forenoon  and  afternoon. 
As  this  petition  seemed  to  be  just  to  us,  and  Do.  Stoy  also 
immediately  assented  willingly,  with  the  help  of  divine  grace, 
to  undertake  these  desired  duties,  therefore  we  resolved  that 
this  equalization  of  his  labor  in  both  places  be  rightly  ob- 
served in  the  future. 

SECOND  SESSION. 

1.  A  certain  elder  from  the  Seltenreich  congregation  ap- 
peared in  our  Coetus,  and  stated  that  since  the  departure  of 
Do.  Waldschmidt  to  the  congregation  of  Tulpehocken  the 
people  of  the  Seltenreich  congregation  were  desirous  of  hav- 
ing the  ministry  of  Do.  Rieger,  and  petitioned  us  that  he  be 
constituted  their  regular  pastor  by  the  Coetus.  After  Do. 
Rieger  had  declared  his  willingness  to  help  these  people,  the 
office  of  the  regular  minister  of  that  congregation  was  en- 


152  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

trusted  ,to  him  by  us,  so  that  he  may  alternately  visit  the  one 
and  the  other  flock  over  which  he  is  placed  and  properly 
discharge  the  duties  belonging  thereto. 

2.  Two  elders  appeared  in  our  Coetus  from  the  congre- 
gation in  York,  and  describing  the  lamentable  circumstances 
there  asked  our  help.  This  matter,  Venerable  Fathers,  is 
about  as  follows:  For  a  long  time  many  and  very  serious 
complaints  have  been  made  about  Do.  Lischy,  the  pastor  of 
the  church  in  York.  But  through  the  counsel  and  help  of 
his  friends,  and  mostly  his  outside  supporters,  they  were 
suppressed  until  about  a  year  ago.  Then  a  new  and  very 
just  cause  was  given  to  his  parishioners  to  complain.  They 
were  so  offended  and  irritated  that  by  far  the  greater  part 
refused  to  hear  him  any  longer  or  recognize  him  as  their 
pastor.  The  members  of  the  congregation  at  the  Kreisskrick 
[Kreutz  Creek]  have  rejected  him  unanimously.  The  con- 
gregation in  York  is  sadly  distracted  and  split  into  two  parts ; 
one  party  has  rejected  Lischy  as  an  unworthy  minister;  the 
second  party,  however,  wishes  to  retain  him,  which  latter  is 
stronger  in  number  and  influence.  Since  this  more  powerful 
party,  mindful  of  its  duty  and  the  bonds  by  which  the  con- 
gregations are  connected  with  our  Reformed  Coetus,  has 
notified  us  of  these  circumstances  and  at  the  same  time  asked 
our  help,  we  have  become  very  anxious  and  doubtful  as  to 
what  we  should  do  and  in  what  manner  we  should  best  counsel 
the  people  offended  by  Lischy,  remove  from  their  minds  the 
scandal  that  has  been  occasioned,  and  restore  peace  and 
harmony.  It  is  possible  that  this  conduct  of  Lischy  may  be 
considered  by  some  as  a  pardonable  fault,  but  we,  on  account 
of  various  concurrent  circumstances,  cannot  judge  as  lightly 
of  it.  Nevertheless  it  was  proposed  by  us  to  treat  with  him 
in  a  friendly  and  brotherly  way.     Therefore 

(1)  We  have  invited  Do.  Lischy  to  a  friendly  conference 
to  be  held  between  him,  the  elders  of  the  church  of  York  and 
three  ministers  to  be  appointed  by  our  Coetus.  Since,  how- 
ever, Do.  Lischy  has  thus  far  not  listened  to  our  counsel,  but 
rather  accused  us,  without  any  reason,  in  letters  written  to 
the  President  Rieger  and  Do.  Otterbein,  of  unjust  hatred 
towards  him  and  hostility,  and  has  not  been  ashamed  to 
excuse  his  grievous  fault  with  the  most  trifling  reasons  and 


BECGEDS  OF  1757. 


153 


arguments  of  no  weight  whatever,  and  has  thus  given  to  many 
a  cause  of  suspicion  that  his  mind  is  perhaps  not  averse  to 
the  Yile  heresy  of  the  old  Nicolaites,  and  still  tainted  with  the 
contagious  vievrs  of  Zinzendorf,  whom  he  once  followed, 
therefore 

(2)  We  resolved  with  unanimous  consent  that  Do.  Lischy 
for  the  time  being  be  suspended  from  the  public  exercise  of 
his  office,  and  the  congregations  meanwhile  be  supplied  by 
Do.  Otterbein  as  often  as  possible,  until  in  our  next  meeting, 
which  has  now  been  held,  all  circumstances  be  more  thor- 
oughly examined  and  all  necessary  and  possible  remedies  be 
applied  to  unite  and  build  up  the  distracted  congregation. 
Yet  Do.  Lischy,  with  his  followers,  would  not  listen,  so  that 
not  only  did  he  continue  stubbornly  to  exercise  his  office,  but 
the  church,  closed  against  him,  was  also  repeatedly  forced 
open  by  those  who  sided  wdth  him. 

(3)  T^lien  the  time  of  our  meeting  approached.  Do.  Lischy 
was  kindly  invited  by  the  President  to  be  present,  but  he 
refused  to  appear,  and  his  absence  and  disobedience  were 
the  cause  of  our  not  being  able  to  come  to  any  conclusion. 

(4)  Finally  we  again  reminded  Do.  Lischy,  through  a 
letter  written  in  the  name  of  the  Coetus,  of  his  duty  and  the 
obedience  which  he  owes  to  the  Coetus,  but  to  this  day  we 
have  not  been  able  to  reach  the  desired  end.  We  deplore 
meanwhile.  Venerable  Fathers,  the  pitiable  condition  of  the 
church  in  York ;  we  deplore  our  inability  to  help  them,  mostly 
on  account  of  the  lack  of  ministers,  and  we  deplore,  above 
all,  that,  through  the  bad  example  of  that  pastor,  and  the 
quarrels  of  his  members,  the  good  people  are  more  and  more 
offended,  the  Holy  Spirit  is  grieved,  the  name  and  word  of 
God  profaned,  and  our  most  holy  religion,  as  well  as  the 
holy  ministry,  exposed  to  the  ridicule  of  enemies. 

Those  who  have  given  up  Lischy  and  have  gone  away  from 
him  mourn  and  are  troubled  about  his  very  bad  example  and 
manners.  The  other  part  does  not  only  care  nothing  about 
it,  but  also  imitate  his  bad  example  for  their  own  indulgence, 
as  we  can  show  from  several  examples.  From  this  it  is  evi- 
dent  that  Lischy,  even  if  he  could  speak  with  angel  tongues, 
could  nevertheless  no  longer  produce  good  fruits  by  his  min- 
istry, at  least  not  in  York. 


154  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

As  this  matter  is  in  such  a  condition,  we  urgently  ask  you, 
Venerable  Fathers,  to  communicate  to  us,  without  delay,  your 
most  prudent  counsel  in  this  difficult  case  of  Lischy,  and 
kindly  aid  us,  who  are  helpless,  with  your  valuable  assistance, 
that  by  it  the  stone  of  offense  may  at  last  be  removed  from 
the  midst  of  the  congregation  in  York,  and  that  peace  and 
the  edification  of  the  congregation  be  restored,  which,  accord- 
ing to  our  judgment  at  least  (if  we  be  allowed  to  mention  it), 
cannot  be  done  in  any  other  way  than  by  the  removal  of 
Lischy  from  his  ministry  in  York,  with  your  authority,  and 
by  putting  another  minister  of  better  reputa,tion  in  his  place. 

Since,  however,  the  number  of  ministers  in  this  country 
has  been  much  diminished,  so  that  the  few  ministers  who 
are  left  can  in  no  wise  sufficiently  care  for  every  congregar 
tion,  we  ask  this  above  all  of  you.  Venerable  Fathers,  that 
through  your  thoughtful  care  several  suitable  ministers  be 
sent  to  us  who  may  become  our  co-workers  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord.  Otherwise  there  is  danger  tliat  the  congregations 
gathered  thus  far  will  in  a  short  time  again  be  dissolved  and 
be  scattered. 

P.  S.  It  is,  however,  true  what  Do.  Stoy  has  noted  in  his 
letters,  that  it  is  very  dangerous  to  send  new  ministei-s  to  us 
at  this  time.  And  yet  if  one  or  two  ministers,  learned,  pious 
and  judicious  men,  under  the  guidance  of  God,  would  come 
hither,  they  would  be  of  great  help  to  us  and  of  great  conso- 
lation to  many  congregations. 

SESSION  m. 

1.  The  question  arose  about  Do.  Otterbein  and  his  min- 
istry in  the  congregation  in  Lancaster.  The  elders  of  his 
church  asked  us,  his  five  years  being  ended  for  which  he  had 
pledged  himself  to  the  congregation  in  Lancaster,  whether 
they  might,  in  accordance  with  the  wish  and  the  hope  of  the 
congregation,  expect  his  ministry  for  the  future. 

To  this  question  Do.  Otterbein  gave  the  following  expres- 
sion of  opinion,  in  the  presence  of  the  elders:  (1)  He  declared 
he  would  not  in  the  future  bind  himself  to  any  congregation 
for  a  fixed  time;  (2)  He  complained  of  many  grievances  by 
which  his  mind  during  the  time  of  his  ministry  had  been 
vexed  in  various  ways;   (3)   He  desired  that  all  disorderly 


BE  COEDS  OF  1757.  255 

customs  be  done  away  with  as  much  as  possible  or  changed 
in  the  future  through  the  just  and  legitimate  use  and  exer- 
cise of  church  discipline ;  (4)  Finally  he  promised  that  if  he 
be  allowed  to  act  in  this  matter  according  to  the  conviction 
of  his  conscience,  and  his  hearers  would  obey  him,  he  would 
then  further  remain  with  them  and  discharge  his  pastoral 
office. 

To  this  declaration  of  Do.  Otterbein  we  added  the  counsel 
that  he  himself  should  speak  with  his  people  in  a  public  and 
friendly  manner,  should  kindly  give  them  his  opinion,  put 
the  conditions  clearly  before  them,  and  in  this  way  try  to 
incline  and  persuade  them  to  his  T\dsh. 

Our  counsel  was  immediately  approved  by  his  elders,  who 
doubted  not  that  they  all  would  show  themselves  willing  and 
pliant. 

N.  B.  What  we  hoped  has  now  really  taken  place.  The 
congregation  in  Lancaster  has  hot  only  promised  to  their 
pastor,  whom  they  most  earnestly  longed  to  keep,  the  obedi- 
ence they  owed,  but  also  the  desired  correction.  Do.  Otter- 
bein has  again  taken  upon  himself  the  care  of  that  congre- 
gation. 

2.  Do.  Du  Bois  laid  before  us  the  case  of  a  minister  who 
stands  connected  with  our  Coetus  and  is  called  to  another 
church.  He  wished  to  know  of  us  whether  in  such  a  case 
the  minister  is  allowed  by  the  Coetus  to  change  from  the 
former  congregation  to  the  latter,  and  whether  our  Coetus 
has  the  power  to  dissolve  the  connection  of  such  a  minister 
with  his  former  flock  and  dismiss  him  to  another.  We  an- 
swered that  this  could  indeed  be  done,  if  this  new  call  can 
be  considered  legitimate,  and  there  are  reasons  sufficient  or 
weighty  enough  why  any  one  should  leave  his  former  con- 
gregation and  go  to  another. 

3.  When,  moreover.  Do.  Du  Bois  related  how^  in  these 
wicked  and  troublesome  times  four  days  throughout  the  year 
are  appointed  by  the  Presbyterians  for  public  and  solemn 
celebration,  called  days  of  repentance  and  prayer,  we  re- 
solved to  follow  their  example  in  this  laudable  custom,  so 
that  the  same  days  be  indicated  to  our  congregations,  and 
their  pious  observance  be  earnestly  enjoined  upon  them. 

4.  After  these  things  had  been  transacted.  Do.  Stoy  ren- 


156  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

dered  an  accouut  of  the  money  given  to  Do.  Bartholomaeus, 
who  remains  in  the  same  miserable  condition,  sho^^dng  that 
those  15  pounds  which  he  had  received  from  the  Coetus  in 
the  last  year  for  his  support  had  indeed  been  sufficient  for 
that  purpose,  but  that  besides  an  additional  amount  remained 
to  be  paid  to  him,  which  Do.  Schlatter  had  left  unpaid. 

These  are  the  few  things,  Venerable  Fathers,  which  we 
have  transacted  in  our  regular  Coetus  of  the  present  year. 

[Special  Coetus,  August  24,  1757.] 

Before  we  could  transmit  to  you  these  our  Acts  your  long 
expected  letters,  the  Synodical  dated  Leyden,  April  14,  1757, 
as  well  as  the  Classical  dated  April  4,  1757,  arrived  in  Phila- 
delphia, agreeable  to  our  wish.  All  the  brethren,  except  Tem- 
pelmann,  hastened  mthout  delay  to  Philadelphia  on  the  24th 
of  August  to  examine  them,  and  we  now  answer  the  instruc- 
tions point  after  point  in  the  following  manner. 

N.  B.  In  this  meeting  of  Coetus  Do.  Leydich,  who  on 
account  of  his  health  could  not  appear  in  our  Coetus  held  in 
Lancaster,  but  who  now,  through  divine  kindness,  has  very 
well  recovered  from  the  sickness  with  Avhich  he  suffered, 
began  to  administer  the  office  of  President  and  to  discharge 
it  successfully. 

Concerning  the  letters  written  to  you  in  the  month  of 
October,  1755,  which,  however,  owing  to  the  wreck  of  the 
ship  that  carried  them,  did  not  reach  you,  we  resolved  to 
transmit  to  you  a  copy  of  them,  together  with  these  letters, 
from  which  you  can  learn  many  things  ^vith  reference  to 
Do.  Schlatter,  Do.  Rubel  and  the  schools,  wliich  therefore 
we  do  not  want  to  repeat  here. 

N.  B.  The  Secretary  has  here,  through  a  slip  of  memory 
or  some  other  error,  taken  two  e\ddently  different  things  to 
be  the  same,  or  rather  mixed  them  up.  The  letters  men- 
tioned by  the  Secretary  have  not  been  lost  through  ship- 
wreck. This  at  least  is  not  Imown  to  me,  who  have  written 
and  transmitted  the  same.  I  rather  believe,  not  without 
reason,  that  they  were  intercepted,  and  I  am  of  the  opinion 
that  they  have  not  left  these  shores.  The  others  are  those 
letters  which  during  the  last  year  were  sent  to  the  Rev. 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  which,  as  the  ship  that  carried  them 


RE  COEDS  OF  1757.  i^rj 

suffered  shipwreck  at  the  island  of  White  [Wight],  were 
lost  near  England,  as  I  explained  at  length  in  my  letters 
written  on  the  9th  of  September  of  this  year. 

(William  Stoy.) 

Now  with  regard  to  the  schools,  we  can  do  but  little  to  pro- 
mote them,  since  the  Directors  try  to  erect  nothing  but  Eng- 
glish  schools,  and  care  nothing  for  the  German  language. 
Hence,  now  as  before,  the  Germans  themselves  ought  to  look 
out  for  their  schools,  in  which  their  children  may  be  in- 
structed in  German.  Schools,  however,  as  well  as  churches, 
in  very  many  places  suffer  great  loss  through  these  trouble- 
some times  and  the  great  misfortunes  of  war,  which  may  our 
Merciful  God  kindly  and  speedily  remove. 

Do.  Tempelmann,  whom  you  mention  in  your  letters,  is 
through  increasing  age,  and  mostly  through  the  loss  of  his 
eyesight,  fully  disabled,  and  can  no  longer  serve  his  congre- 
gations, whose  care  the  brethren  have  taken  upon  themselves 
as  much  as  possible. 

With  regard  to  the  young  man  Bonner  we  fully  understand 
your  wishes.  He  is  still  prosecuting  his  studies  begun  under 
the  supervision  of  Do.  Stoy,  and  diligently  sacrificing  to  the 
Muses.  The  labor  and  care  which  Do.  Stoy  bestowed  upon 
his  instruction  we  have  somewhat  compensated  from  the 
Holland  money.  But  as  he  can  expect  nothing  to  finish  his 
studies  in  Holland  we  shall  earnestly  recommend  him  to  the 
liberality  of  the  Directors  of  the  English  charity  funds  that 
finally  he  may  reach  the  goal  of  his  wish. 

N.  B.  The  letter  which  we  were  to  write,  according  to 
your  wish,  to  Do,  Chandler,  was  written  during  the  last  year 
by  Do.  Rieger  and  was  sent  over  to  him  and,  as  we  hope,  has 
been  received  by  him. 

What  you  advised,  Venerable  Fathers,  about  Do.  Rubel, 
and  about  paying  the  money  to  him  and  to  his  congregation, 
we  have  also  duly  noted.  We  shall  not  in  the  least  resist 
your  T\dsh,  but  exactly  and  carefully  carry  out  your  command. 

The  money,  which  in  the  present  year  you  have  again 
caused  to  be  transmitted  to  us,  will  shortly  be  paid  by  Mr. 
Schumaker,  and  will  be  divided  in  the  manner  which  the 
enclosed  specification  shows.  In  what  manner  can  we  ex- 
press our  highest  gratitude  to  you.  Venerable  Fathers,  for 


158  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

your  exceedingly  great  kindness  toward  us,  for  so  many  and 
so  great  favors  bestowed  upon  us  thus  far,  so  that  mostly 
through  your  zeal  to  help  us  still  longer  it  has  come  to  pass 
that  the  continuation  of  those  subsidies,  by  which  you  have 
aided  us  thus  far,  has  been  prolonged  for  these  three  years 
by  the  wonderful  and  most  generous  liberality  of  the  power- 
ful States  of  Holland  and  West  Friesland  1  And  as  we  owe 
this  continuation,  according  to  the  statement  of  your  letter,  to 
the  favor  and  help  of  the  most  noble  Grand  Pensionary, 
Peter  Stein,  we  include  a  letter  to  him,  in  which  we  express 
to  him  as  well  as  to  the  States  the  gratitude  we  owe. 

But  when  we  give  to  you,  Venerable  Fathers,  a  true  and 
definite  description  of  the  condition  of  affairs  in  these  prov- 
inces which  we  inhabit,  as  you  have  asked  of  us,  the  condi- 
tion of  our  affairs  must  be  so  much  deplored  that  it  is  really 
similar  to  the  one  given  by  the  letter  of  Ezekiel,  which  within 
and  without  was  filled  with  lamentations  [Ez.  ii.  10].  The 
calamities  of  the  war,  especially  those  which  arise  from  the 
invasion  of  the  Indians,  Do.  Stoy  has  pictured  with  such 
vi\dd  colors  in  his  letters  sent  to  you  that  I  cannot  add  any- 
thing more  to  his  description. 

I  myself  am  an  eye-witness  to  the  miserable  condition  in 
which  most  of  the  people  are  who  reside  on  the  borders  of 
the  English  province.  For  when  I  lately  visited  the  Re- 
formed brethren  around  the  city  of  AVinchester,  in  Virginia, 
it  pained  me  very  much  to  see  that  the  inhabitants,  for  fear 
of  the  enemies,  have  not  only  neglected  their  former  congre- 
gations and  no  longer  frequent  their  churches,  but  that  even 
their  homes  are  deserted,  and  that  jointly  they  have  erected 
some  miserable  fortifications  in  which  they  can  live  and  de- 
fend themselves  in  some  manner  against  the  invading  enemies. 

I  myself  held  a  meeting  at  a  certain  place,  in  which  during 
the  last  month  seven  persons  were  killed  in  a  most  miserable 
manner  by  the  very  cruel  Indians  and  fourteen  carried  into 
captivity.     0  Lord,  have  mercy ! 

About  the  condition  of  our  Reformed  Church  in  this  coun- 
try, this  ought  to  be  known  and  noticed  above  all,  that  most 
of  the  congregations,  which  have  thus  far  been  served  by 
legitimate  ministers  belonging  to  our  Coetus,  have  remained 
in  dutiiul  and  promised  obedience  to  you.  Venerable  Synods, 


BE  COEDS  OF  1757. 


159 


and  to  our  Coetus,  and  to  a  certain  degree  is  fulfilled  among 
them  what  is  written  Acts  ix.  31. 

But  ^vith  regard  to  our  ministry,  a  heavy  burden  Hes  upon 
our  shoulders,  by  which  we  are  oppressed  more  and  more 
every  day.  And  although  you  have  charged  us  most  lovingly 
to  walk  with  equal  burdens  in  carrying  the  ark  of  the  Lord, 
yet  this  can  hardly  be  done  without  heightening  one 's  burden 
by  another  great  one,  on  account  of  the  places  where  the 
brethren  live  and  the  scattered  congregations  situated  either 
nearer  or  farther  away.  For  instance,  as  far  as  I  am  con- 
cerned, I  have  my  residence  in  Monocacy,  Frederick,  and  I 
am  thus  located  in  the  midst  of  many  and  partly  large  con- 
gregations, so  that  in  single  months,  especially  in  summer, 
in  order  to  visit  them,  I  must  make  a  journey  covering  more 
or  less  than  300  English  miles.  How  great  this  burden  and 
how  great  this  labor  is  left  to  your  judgment.  Venerable 
Fathers.  And  thus  every  minister  serves  either  more  or  less 
congregations  according  to  the  circumstances  in  which  he  is 
placed. 

In  order  not  to  draw  out  this  letter  too  long,  which  might 
perhaps  be  burdensome  to  you,  we  shall  add  no  more. 

We  close  with  the  unanimous  wish  that  you  and  the  rest 
of  the  ministry  of  the  Holland  Church,  who  faithfully  pro- 
fess the  true  Christian  religion,  heartily  defend  it,  spread  it 
far  and  near  over  the  earth,  and  show  it  in  your  lives,  may 
long  enjoy  health  and  success.  This  we  earnestly  ask  of  our 
great  and  good  Lord.  With  this  wish  we  most  humbly  com- 
mend ourselves  to  your  former  love  and  favor. 

Most  Venerable,  Renowned  and  Esteemed  Fathers,  your 
most  obedient  servants.        John  CoNRiU)  Steiner,  Sec.  p.  t. 

Given  at  Frederick,  Maryland,  November  9,  1757. 

P.  S.  That  which  has  been  omitted  I  add  in  the  following : 
With  reference  to  John  Gasser,  whom  you  mention,  Vener- 
able Fathers,  in  your  Synodical  letter,  we  wish  to  say  that 
he  has  never  shown  to  us  any  letters,  inasmuch  as  the  Vener- 
able Fathers  have  never  left  him  any  hope  of  clearing  him- 
self. This  most  ingeniously  dishonest  impostor  already 
offered  himself  five  years  ago  to  the  Coetus.  But  knowing 
him  to  be  a  rascal  we  did  not  consent  to  his  wishes.  And 
coming  as  a  robber  at  that  time,  as  did  those  before  the  time 


160  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

of  Christ,  he  forced  himself,  with  the  greatest  persistency 
and  fraud,  upon  the  church  of  Christ,  and  served  a  certain 
congregation  in  Pennsylvania.  AMien  he  became  known  there 
and  was  driven  out,  he  entered  the  province  of  Carolina, 
having  left  his  former  wife  behind,  to  whom  he  wa-s  never 
joined  in  legitimate  marriage.  Thence  applying  to  Europe 
he  brought  testimonials  with  him.  These  we  ignored.  This, 
namely,  is  known  to  us,  that  most  deceitfully  he  imposed  upon 
many  in  Europe.  This  is  to  be  regretted.  In  the  place  of 
books  he  brought  hither  firearms  [sclopeta].  Finally  I  can 
add  that  immediately  after  his  arrival  from  Europe,  about 
eighteen  months  ago,  I  had  a  conversation  with  him  in  the 
presence  of  Do.  Steiner  in  Philadelphia,  but  he  did  not  say 
a  word  either  about  the  Venerable  Synods  or  the  letters  given 
to  him  by  them.  W.  Stoy. 


LIST  OF  TPIE  MONEY  DISTRIBUTED. 

Ministers : 

i.  s. 

Do.  Weiss   27         10 

* '    Eieger    25 

"    Leydich 27         10 

' '     Steiner 37         10 

' '    Otterbein 25 

' '     Waldsehmidt 30 

"    DuBois 17         10 

*  *     Tempelmann 8 

"    Stoy 25 

*  *    Bartholomaeiis   30 

Total    253 

Widows : 

Dorsius 8         14 

Muenz    6 

Wiflsler 6 

Total    ' 20         14 


BECOBDS  OF  1757.  jgl 

£.         s.  d. 

Schoolmasters : 

Frederick  3 

Conewago    1         10 

Falkner  Swamp 4 

Tulpehocken    2 

Philadelphia   6 

White    Oaks 2 

Goshenhcppen 1         10 

Lancaster 5 

Total    25 

Traveling  expenses  of  ministers  and  elders 13         15           6 

Do.  Rubel  15 

28         15  6 

Balance  in  hand  of  President 29         13           4 

Grand  total 357           2         10 

From  the  funds  of  the  Most  Noble  London  Society. 

£. 

Do.  Rieger 10 

Weiss 10 

Leydich   10 

Otterbein    10 

Waldschmidt    8 

Steiner 10 

Tempelmann 2 

Du  Bois 10 

Stoy 10 

Total    80 

11 


LETTER  OF  DO.   STOY  TO  THE   CLASSICAL  DEPU- 
TIES, SEPTEMBER  30,  1757. 

(N.  B.  No.  846.) 
l[ost  Beverend  and  Learned  Sirs,  Eeverend  Fathers: 

Whereas  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus  are  not  yet  completed,  but  an  oppor- 
tunity of  writing  to  you  has  come,  I  desire  to  inform  you  in  advance. 
Venerable  Fathers,  that  your  letters,  not  only  the  Sjmodical,  but  also 
the  Classical,  dated  April  14th  and  April  4th,  have  reached  us,  to  which 
the  Acts  of  our  Coetus  will  give  you  a  due  reply. 

Other  letters,  dated  Hague,  May  4th,  1757,  have  been  sent  to  us,  which 
when  opened  were  found  to  contain  a  draft  for  2500  guilders,  or  accord- 
ing to  our  Pennsylvania  currency  357  pounds  2  shillings  10  pence,  which 
you  sent  us  as  a  new  and  most  pleasant  proof  of  your  kindness,  which 
draft  Messrs.  B.  &  S.  Shoemaker,  to  whom  it  was  directed,  received  and 
promised  to  pay  in  due  time. 

In  noting  the  contents  of  the  foregoing  letters  of  the  Classis  I  re- 
member a  certain  complaint  of  the  Venerable  Classis,  that  we  neglected 
you,  Venerable  Fathers,  and  did  not  send  letters  to  you  the  previous 
year,  as  we  had  done  to  the  Synods. 

Pardon  us,  Venerable  Fathers,  I  myself  composed  and  sent  those 
letters,  but  the  ship  which  was  to  convey  the  same  having  been  wrecked 
near  England,  at  the  so-called  Isle  of  Wight,  the  letters  in  question 
were  lost  with  the  ship.     William  Greenway  was  the  captain  of  the  ship. 

Besides  this.  Venerable  Fathers,  since  there  are  certain  matters  in 
your  Synodical  and  Classical  letters  which  refer  to  me  in  particular,  I 
cannot  by  any  means  omit  to  mention  them  here. 

First  of  all,  I  thank  you  most  heartily  for  having  so  cordially  and 
paternally  given  your  consent  to  my  fond  desire  to  return  to  my  native 
land,  not  having  taken  this  ill  of  me.  For  I  was  compelled,  as  can 
easily  be  gathered  from  my  letters,  to  ask  this  permission  which  you 
have  granted  to  me.  At  that  time  I  was  hardly  able  to  breathe  freely, 
and  all  the  powers  of  my  body  had  begun  to  fade  away.  During  the 
four  years  of  my  residence  in  America  I  hardly  lived  one  day  without 
feeling  the  discomforts  of  bad  health.  The  temperature  in  this  country 
is  remarkable,  and  excessively  heavy  for  Europeans.  Few  are  ever 
brought  to  this  country  without  experiencing  what  happened  to  me. 
Sickness  is  the  usual  means  of  restoring  most  people,  provided  only 
they  recover  from  it,  as  my  experience  proves.  '  Last  year,  just  after 
I  had  sent  you  my  letters.  Venerable  Fathers,  I  jvas  thrown  into  a 
violent  fever,  which  was  pronounced  petechial  fever  [typhoid  fever]. 
My  life  hung  in  the  balance.  Meanwhile  divine  grace  has  restored 
me  and  so  increased  my  strength,  which  had  been  exhausted  through 
so  long  a  period  of  severe  illness,  that  I  have  never  enjoyed  happier 

(162) 


BECOBDS  OF  1757.  163 

days  in  my  life,  as  far  as  health  is  concerned,  than  after  that  time 
when  I  recovered  from  that  sickness.  And  as  I  was  compelled  to  com- 
plain in  former  times  that  we  could  not  endure  the  climate  and  were 
unaccustomed  to  many  things,  now  I  can  say  that  I  feel  very  well. 
Hence  I  have  determined  to  spend  my  strength,  given  anew  by  God, 
hereafter  in  the  vineyard  of  Christ,  not  doubting  in  the  least  that  it 
will  meet  your  approval. 

I  hope  that  the  same  Jehovah  who  compelled  me  to  endure  so  much 
misery  (for  none,  especially  in  this  region,  can  escape  it)  will  hence- 
forth support  me  by  His  divine  grace,  through  which  I  shall  be  able  to 
bear  that  which  I  could  not  otherwise  do. 

Hitherto  brave  in  war,  I  nevertheless  shudder  at  the  ships  of  the 
French  pirates,  who  keep  our  shores  everywhere  closed,  as  it  were,  and 
I  therefore  dread  a  sea  journey  very  much.  In  making  mention  of  war 
here,  I  remember  reading  in  your  letters  that  you  greatly  desire  a  most 
accurate  description  of  our  condition  by  reason  of  the  war. 

Certain  facts,  which  I  had  then  learned,  I  sent  already  a  year  ago, 
but  privately  in  my  letters  to  Do.  Kessler,  which,  however,  I  believe 
were  lost,  together  with  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus  sent  to  the  Classis,  on 
board  the  vessel  which  was  wrecked  on  the  English  coast.  With  regard 
to  the  horrors  of  war,  which  now  rages  on  our  shores,  they  are  certainly 
so  great  that  they  can  hardly,  nay  not  even  at  all,  be  described.  Our 
Indians,  more  savage  than  wild  beasts,  have  either  dragged  away  in- 
numerable inhabitants  of  British  America  from  our  borders  as  captives, 
or  slain  them  in  a  most  wretched  and  indescribable  manner.  Cold  horror 
shakes  my  body  and  an  icy  tremor  runs  through  my  very  bones  when  I 
recall  what  I  have  seen  myself  and  learned  from  hearsay.  Neither  would 
the  tiger  nor  the  most  ferocious  lion  rage  so  fiercely  when  meeting  a 
man,  as  these  wild  barbarians  do.  They  scalp  the  living,  and  what  is 
more  even  the  dead.  I  myself  have  seen  them  slay  them  and  mutilate 
their  bodies  with  tomahawks.  Like  wolves  they  wander  through  the 
continuous  forests  of  these  regions.     They  go  and  return  unimpeded. 

In  this  manner  they  have  devastated  our  land  far  and  wide.  We 
have  lost  some  of  our  congregations  either  entirely  or  in  part.  The 
place  where  Do.  Wissler  labored,  when  living  [Egypt],  has  been  pillaged 
and  robbed  of  its  inhabitants. 

The  largest  part  of  the  people  at  Tulpehocken,  among  whom  I  lived, 
have  either  fled,  or  were  led  into  captivity,  or  killed  by  the  Indians. 
Beyond  Tulpehocken  three  other  congregations  belonging  to  our  Church 
have  been  totally  destroyed.  Through  such  calamities  it  has  come  to 
pass  that  we  do  not  need  at  present  any  new  ministers  in  Pennsylvania, 
being  in  doubt  where  we  could  locate  them.  Outside  of  Pennsylvania,, 
in  New  Jersey,  we  have  thus  far  only  one  congregation,  caUed  Amwell, 
where  a  minister  can  Uve,  which  in  the  meantime  is  visited  by  me  as 
often  as  possible.  And  what  is  the  result"?  While  a  double,  nay,  a 
triple,  war  is  going  on,  any  one  who  comes  over  to  us  will  be  in  peril. 
Misery  surrounds  us  everywhere.  We  can  hardly  defend  ourselves, 
whatever  we  may  plan. 


164  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

You  will  perhaps  wonder  at  me  writing  this.  That  you  may  under- 
stand it  more  fully  I  would  like  you.  Venerable  Fathers,  to  know  that 
this  land  is  inhabited  in  the  manner  in  which  Tacitus  reported  that  the 
Germans  inhabited  theirs  formerly.  With  few  exceptions  the  people  do 
not  live  in  cities.  For  the  colonists  here  neither  inhabit  homes  connected 
with  one  another,  nor  do  they  live  in  villages.  They  settle  down  and 
live  wherever  they  find  a  spring,  a  river,  or  a  grove  which  suits  them. 
Hence  the  incursions  of  the  Indians  are  so  easily  made. 

Finally,  with  regard  to  the  proceedings  of  our  Coetus  of  the  month 
of  October,  1755,  which,  as  we  now  see  from  your  letters,  did  not  reach 
you,  but  were  lost,  these,  together  with  the  Acts  of  our  last  Coetus,  I 
am  about  to  send  you  again,  according  to  your  desire.  Venerable  Fathers. 
May  God  Almighty  bless  you  with  a  manifold  heavenly  benediction  and 
establish  you  as  the  pillars  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  these  lands,  and 
at  last  raise  you  as  statues  of  glory  in  heaven  above.  With  this  most 
fervent  prayer  there  commends  himself  to  your  former  favor,  most 
Venerable  Doctors  and  Reverend  Fathers,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  Stoy. 

Given  at  Lancaster  on  the  day  before  the  Calends  of  October  [Sep- 
tember 30],  1757. 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS,  HELD  IN  PHILADELPHIA, 
SEPTEMBER  14-16,  1758. 

(Hague  92,  B.  28;  N.  B.  No.  855.) 
Most  Esteemed,  Most  Learned  Sirs,  Most  Worthy  Members 
of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  Venerable  Fathers  in  Christ: 
Your  letters,  Venerable  Fathers,  the  Classical,  dated  April 
3d,  as  weU  as  the  Synodical,  dated  March  8th  of  the  current 
year,  have  not  only  been  duly  received,  but  they  have  also 
been  read  at  our  regular  Coetus,  held  on  the  14th  of  Sep- 
tember in  Philadelphia,  our  members  being  aU  present  except 
Do.  Tempelmann,  who  could  not  be  present  on  account  of  the 
loss  of  his  eyesight.  We  learn  from  your  letters  that  our 
Coetal  letter  written  in  the  last  year  was  not  yet  in  your 
hands  in  the  beginning  of  the  month  of  March  of  the  present 
year.  Nor  could  it  be,  for  only  of  late  has  it  left  these  shores. 
The  causes  of  this  delay  Do.  Stoy  has  already  mentioned  in 
his  private  letter  sent  to  you,  together  with  the  Coetal  letter. 
Nevertheless  we  may  be  allowed  to  add  in  a  few  words  that 
Do.  Steiner,  at  that  time  Secretary  of  the  Coetus,  on  account 
of  other  business,  had  so  long  postponed  v/riting  the  Minutes 
that  the  proper  time  to  send  them  had  elapsed,  therefore 
they  could  not  leave  the  American  shores  till  the  month  of 
IMarch.  We  know,  however,  that  the  ship  which  carried 
them  has  arrived  in  England,  and  we  have  no  doubt  that  you 
have  duly  received  them.  The  present  letters  will  satisfy 
your  mshes,  for  we  shall  allow  no  delay. 

We  likev^ase  learn  that  a  transcript  of  those  letters,  written 
in  our  Coetus  in  Lancaster  on  the  8th  of  October,  1755,  if  I 
am  not  mistaken,  has  arrived.  The  first  were  lost;  we  Imow 
not  through  what  cause.  This  is  now  the  second  or  third 
copy  which  Do.  Stoy  has  again  transmitted  to  you  in  the  last 
year  by  order  of  the  Coetus,  the  dating  having  been  omitted 
through  some  unkind  fate.  Meanwhile  the  contention  be- 
tween us  and  Do.  Rubel,  with  regard  to  those  400  florins,  has 
long  been  removed,  as  you  will  see  from  our  Coetus  Acts  of 
the  year   1756   and   1757   sent  to   you,   Venerable   Fathers. 

(  165  ) 


IGo  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Twice,  uainely,  have  we  paid  to  him  the  very  high  yearly 
allowance  granted  by  you  to  him,  namely,  100  Dutch  florins. 
And  likewise  in  this  year  he  wull  again  receive  100  florins  for 
the  tliird  time,  when  the  money  sent  by  you  shall  have  ar- 
rived. We  learn  from  your  Synodical  and  Classical  letters 
that  a  certain  sum  is  to  be  sent  to  us,  for  which  kindness 
we  return  our  sincerest  thanks.  But  as  we  have  not  received 
from  the  Venerable  Fathers  any  other  letters  than  those 
mentioned  above,  so  also  the  draft  has  not  yet  arrived. 

The  aim  of  the  English  schools,  which  for  various  reasons 
we  were  not  able  at  once  to  investigate,  we  shall  help  to  pro- 
mote according  to  our  ability,  however  small  that  may  be. 
The  deplorable  distress  of  the  war  has  not  yet  fully  ceased. 
Nevertheless  the  cruelty  of  the  fierce  enemies  does  not  rage 
as  much  as  before,  but  through  a  long  and  wide  region  up  to 
our  borders  there  lie  many  churches,  thus  far  deserted,  which 
a  few  years  ago  were  well  established. 

However,  we  shall  follow,  as  best  we  can,  your  very  cour- 
teous admonitions  given  in  your  lettei-s,  Venerable  Fathers. 

After  these  introductory  remarks,  which  may  serve  as  an 
answer  to  your  letter,  it  now  remains  to  transcribe  the 

Acts  of  our  Coetus. 

With  regard  to  Do.  Alsentz,  we  wish  to  state  that  imme- 
diately after  his  arrival  he  was  sent  as  minister  to  the  people 
of  Germantown.  For  on  account  of  the  lack  of  ministers 
they  had  been  content  up  to  that  time  with  the  alternating 
services  of  Do.  Stoy,  which  he  rendered  in  each  of  the  two 
cities,  in  Gennantown,  and  in  Philadelphia,  as  we  mentioned 
two  years  ago.  But  when  Do.  Alsentz  arrived  the  people  of 
Germantown  asked  of  us  that  he  might  be  given  to  them  as 
their  o^\^l  pastor,  at  least  until  the  time  of  our  regular  Coetus, 
at  which  this  matter  might  be  more  fully  considered.  We 
consented  willingly  to  this  wdsh  of  the  Germantown  congre- 
gation. Meanwhile  it  pleased  the  congregation  of  German- 
town  and  Do.  Alsentz  to  remain  together  still  longer.  To 
that  end  the  Germantown  congregation,  just  mentioned,  gave 
Do.  Alsentz  a  legal  call,  which,  having  been  confirmed  by  the 
Coetus,  was  accepted  by  Do.  Alsentz.  In  the  meantime  there 
had  also  appeared  at  the  Coetus,  from  the  congregation  in 


BECOBDS  OF  1758. 


167 


Philadelphia,  elders  sent  by  one  party,  and  two  deputies,  or 
rather  quarrelers,  from  the  other  party  of  the  same  church. 
The  elders,  satisfied  Avith  the  ministry  of  Do.  Stoy,  wished  to 
retain  him  against  the  wishes  of  the  quarrelers  from  the  other 
party,  who  although  they  testified  publicly  that  they  had  no 
complaints  against  Do.  Stoy,  yet  desired  that  Do.  Alsentz  be 
given  to  them  as  minister.  For  the  restless  spirit  of  the 
Philadelphians,  especially  of  some  of  them,  was  always  eager 
for  new  things.  With  regard  to  this  Do.  Alsentz  was  asked 
whether  he  would  grant  the  desire  of  Philadelphia.  He, 
being  frightened  by  these  signs,  disclaimed  any  love  for 
dissensions,  stating  that  as  long  as  he  could  be  without  them 
he  would  eagerly  avoid  them,  but  he  could  not,  nor  would  he, 
refuse  the  call,  once  received,  from  the  people  of  German- 
town.  The  difficulty  therefore  remained  unsolved.  Then  we 
first  consulted  about  Do.  Stoy,  whether  he  might  still  longer 
remain  in  Philadelphia,  but  this  could  not  be  done,  nor  did 
Do.  Stoy  intend  to  stay  there.  Nothing  remained  therefore 
than  that  we  should  leave  the  Philadelphians  to  themselves, 
after  having  counseled  them  peace,  concord  and  improve- 
ment of  conduct,  with  the  additional  advice  that  if  it  seemed 
feasible  to  them,  to  Do.  Alsentz  and  the  Germantown  people, 
he  might  henceforth  serve  them  in  the  preaching  of  the  Word. 

But  with  regard  to  Do.  Stoy  and  his  further  ministry  in 
this  country  (we  wish  to  say),  that  having  received  a  call 
from  the  Lancaster  congregation  he  accepted  it,  inasmuch 
as  Do.  Otterbein,  thus  far  the  Lancaster  minister,  is  thinking 
of  returning  to  the  Fatherland,  and  has  asked  the  Coetus 
for  testimonials  of  his  life  and  ministry,  carried  on  in  our 
midst,  and  at  the  same  time  has  expressed  the  wish  that  we 
should  notify  the  Venerable  Fathers  of  his  intention.  But 
since  Do.  Otterbein  thought  that,  on  account  of  the  devasta- 
tion of  the  war  and  the  fierce  storms  of  the  fall,  it  was  neither 
safe  nor  convenient  enough  to  begin  the  ocean  journey  in 
this  year,  as  he  otherwise  intended,  he  concluded  to  remain 
in  this  country  until  the  spring,  and  undertook  to  preach 
the  gospel  during  the  winter,  and  up  to  the  present,  to  the 
two  congregations  of  Tulpehocken. 

Do.  Du  Bois,  thus  far  a  member  of  our  Coetus,  asked  for 
permission  to  apply  to  the  Dutch  Coetus  which  meets  in  New 


168  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

York,  giving  as  a  reason  that  our  German  language  was  very 
difficult  for  him  to  understand,  and  especially  for  his  elders, 
who  cannot  understand  the  German  clearly  ^vithout  an  inter- 
preter. Since,  however,  we  could  neither  grant  the  wish  of 
Do.  Du  Bois  in  this  matter,  nor  refuse  it  ourselves,  we  wish 
to  notify  you.  Venerable  Fathers,  of  this  matter,  expecting 
your  counsel  and  wish. 

Finally  from  the  congregation  in  Reading,  to  whom  Do. 
Waldschmidt  had  preached  the  gospel  under  certain  condi- 
tions to  supply  their  want,  as  we  wrote  two  years  ago,  there 
came  a  certain  delegate  to  us  asking  whether  it  was  not 
possible  that  they  be  given  their  own  minister.  But  since 
this  could  not  be  done,  we  commissioned  Do.  Otterbein,  who 
is  nearest  to  them,  to  go  to  that  congregation  for  half  a  year 
during  the  coming  winter. 

From  the  preceding  paragraph  it  is  easy  to  gather,  Vener- 
able Fathers,  that  our  country  and  our  churches  in  Penn- 
sylvania have  thus  far  labored  with  a  lack  of  ministers,  and 
therefore  we  cannot  but  add  at  this  place  some  necessary 
remarks,  which  may  tend  to  a  clearer  understanding  what 
ministers  are  needed  here  and  there.  But  if  those  arrive 
who  have  been  called  before  this,  there  is  no  longer  any  need 
of  more  ministers.  We  have  come  to  the  conclusion  to  advise 
congregations  which  need  ministers  to  send  a  legal  call  to 
our  Coetus,  and  we  have  promised  to  solicit  from  the  Vener- 
able Fathers  new  ministers  fit  for  the  circumstances,  but 
otherwise  not.  This  will  be  the  best  means  of  looking  after 
ministers  and  churches,  because  if  a  minister  thus  called 
arrives  he  may  go  where  he  is  sent,  and  if  the  congi'egations 
have  lawfully  called  him  he  cannot  so  easily,  without  cause 
or  at  pleasure,  be  rejected,  as  it  has  been  customary  thus  far. 

Finally  may  God  grant  to  the  glory  of  his  name  that  his 
vineyard  be  duly  planted  in  this  land,  flourish  and  bring 
forth  fruits  of  righteousness  and  peace. 

But  you,  0  Venerable  Fathers,  may  Jehovah  through  his 
manifold  blessings,  and  for  the  advancement  of  the  kingdom 
of  his  Son,  lengthen  your  days  in  the  land  of  the  living  and 
crowTi  you  in  the  future  world  with  the  diadem  of  imperish- 
able life.  With  this  most  fervent  wish  we  sign  in  the  name 
of  all. 


BECOBDS  OF  1758.  Igg 

Most  Venerable  and  Learned  Sirs,  Esteemed  Fathers  in 
Jesus  Christ,  your  humble  and  most  obedient  servants. 

John  Conrad  Steinee,  Pres.  pro  tern. 
John  Waldschmidt,  Sec.  pro  tern. 
Given  at  Philadelphia,  in  our  Coetus,  on  the  16th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1758. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1758,  OCTOBER  17,  1758. 
(Hague  92,  B.  29.) 

Your  letter.  Most  Eeverend  Sir,  written  to  me  on  March  8th,  at  the 

Brother  in  CJirist,  Gerhard  Klein,  pastor  at  Schiedam,  William  Stoy 

sends  Greeting: 

Your  letter,  most  reverend  Sir,  written  to  me  on  March  8th,  at  the 
order  of  the  Eeverend  Synod  of  South  Holland,  together  with  the  letter 
addressed  to  the  Coetus  under  the  same  date,  safely  reached  me  at  the 
beginning  of  July  of  the  present  year,  through  Mr.  Peters,  the  private 
secretary  of  Mr.  Penn,  as  will  appear  from  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus.  I 
learn  from  the  letter  addressed  to  me  the  acquiescence  of  the  Eeverend 
Fathers  in  my  proposal  to  remain  still  longer  in  this  country.  At  the 
same  time  I  return  most  humble  thanks  for  the  kind  wishes  to  which 
they  have  given  expression.     May  Jehovah  graciously  fulfil  them  I 

Now  I  send  you  again.  Very  Eeverend  Sir,  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus, 
which  I  urgently  request  you  to  submit  to  the  Eeverend  Synods  at  the 
proper  time.  Meanwhile  I  must  add  a  few  things  which  are  not  con- 
tained in  the  Acts  themselves. 

I  notice  in  the  Synodical  letter  a  serious  censure  of  the  Eeverend 
Fathers  on  our  not  very  pleasant  condition.  If  you  please,  Eeverend 
Sir,  we  did  not  wish  to  act  as  critics.  Pardon  rather  my  simplicity  and 
candor  who  wrote  that  letter  three  years  ago  at  the  order  of  the  Coetus, 
not  with  the  object  to  criticise  the  Eeverend  Synods,  be  this  far  from 
me,  but  because  I  thought,  as  the  rest  of  the  brethren,  that  not  all  the 
members  of  the  Eeverend  Synods  were  of  the  same  opinion,  nor  that 
our  affairs  were  equally  well  known  to  each  one,  wherefore  it  could 
doubtless  happen  that  different  conclusions  be  drawn  by  this  one  or 
that  one,  especially  while  our  affairs  vrere  in  turn  considered  by  the 
most  worthy  deputies.  However,  I  ask  that  you  will  pardon  the  impru- 
dence of  your  brethren. 

From  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus  it  can  be  seen  that  the  congregation  in 
Philadelphia  is  again  without  a  pastor.  The  affair  of  the  Philadel- 
phians  has  finally  come  to  this  pass,  that  as  long  as  Philadelphia  re- 


170  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

mains  Philadelphia,  no  one  'tvho  krxovra  the  congregation  wants  to  go 
there.  For  they  have  again  their  own  interest  in  view  and  have  turned 
their  liberty  into  license  towards  the  Coetus.  Nevertheless  I  do  not  say 
this  about  all  and  every  one.  Many  members  of  that  congregation 
deplore  their  condition,  but  this  has  no  influence  upon  the  wickedness 
and  schemes  of  some,  who  want  to  be  the  first.  There  arrived  mean- 
while, immediately  after  our  Coetus  held  in  Philadelphia,  Do.  John 
William  Kals,  well  known  in  many  places  in  Holland,  and  also  to  you, 
Venerable  Sir,  as  I  learned  from  him.  He  brought  letters  of  recom- 
mendation, as  I  hear,  from  the  most  noble  London  Society,  addressed 
to  Do.  Smith,  professor  in  the  English  College  and  Academy  in  Phila- 
delphia. But  which  surprises  me,  although  well  known  in  Holland  and 
being  aware  of  our  relation  to  the  Venerable  Synods,  he  had  no  letter 
to  our  Coetus.  The  Philadelphians  elected  this  Do.  Kals,  whom  I  have 
just  mentioned,  as  their  pastor.  And  whereas  certain  ones  of  Phila- 
delphia make  every  effort  to  remain  outside  of  our  Coetus,  but  on  the 
other  hand  Do.  Kals  desires  to  be  a  member,  we  leave  it  to  the  Vener- 
able Synods  to  decide  what  is  to  be  done  in  this  matter.  Meanwhile 
I  fear  for  Do.  Kals.  Even  as  John  at  Patmos  saw  in  a  vision  Jeru- 
salem killing  those  v/ho  were  sent  to  her,  which  will  also  happen  to 
those  who  come  here  [cf.  Rev.  xviii.  24  and  xvii.  6].* 

In  our  Acts  Do.  Otterbein  is  also  mentioned,  and  his  intention  to 
return  to  his  Fatherland.  God  willing,  he  will  come  to  Holland  next 
summer.  He  will  not  only  be  able  to  give  the  best  and  most  accurate 
description  of  the  condition  of  our  Church,  but  he  can  also  show  what 
a  sad  labor  it  is  to  act  as  minister  within  the  limits  of  Pennsylvania, 
especially  in  these  disastrous  times  of  war,  in  which  we  are  distressed 
by  a  twofold  evil;  first  the  terrors  of  the  war  itself,  and  then  the  great 
expenses.  To  this  I  wish  to  add,  by  way  of  anticipation,  the  answer 
which  Do.  Otterbein  gave  me  when  asked  why  he  wished  to  leave, 
namely,  because  thus  far  the  congregations  had  observed  the  custom  of 
dismissing  a  minister  whenever  it  pleased  them.  This  custom  he  wished 
to  break,  that  it  might  not  do  greater  damage  by  spreading  further. 
This  was  also  the  reason  why  Do.  Otterbein,  immediately  after  our 
Coetus,  being  called  by  the  people  of  Philadelphia,  declined  their  call, 
weU  knowing  that  as  he  was  called  so  he  could  be  repudiated  by  them 
after  some  time.  The  Philadelphians  indeed  thought  that  the  minist-ers 
would  desire  nothing  more  eagerly  than  that  their  hitherto  flourishing 
congregation  should  show  its  pity  by  allowing  this  one  or  that  one 
to  remain  as  minister  among  them  for  perhaps  the  space  of  one  year. 
Moreover,  they  say  they  need  not  trouble  themselves  so  much  about 
ministers  accepting  a  call  as  about  their  resignation. 

As  far  as  I  am  concerned,  I  have  definitely  concluded  to  remain  still 
longer  in  this  country,  at  least  as  long  as  God  by  his  providence  per- 

*  The  statement  of  Stoy  seems  to  confound  the  declaration  of  Christ 
concerning  Jerusalem  \nth  the  vision  in  Revelation  concerning  Babylon. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1758.  I7I 

mite  me.  MeanTrhile  farewell.  May  your  life  be  happy,  Eeverend  Sir, 
and  let  me,  who  live  as  in  exile,*  enjoy  your  favor. 

Lancaster,  October  17,  1758. 

P.  S.  The  draft  has  arrived,  and  signed  by  Messrs.  Samuel  and 
Benjamin  Shoemaker,  merchants  in  Philadelphia,  will  be  paid  on  De- 
cember 13th  of  this  year,  i.  e.,  after  sixty  days  have  elapsed. 

I  certainly  think  that  I  must  add  this,  that  Do.  Kals,  whom  I  have 
mentioned  above,  as  soon  as  he  had  learned  the  condition  of  the  Phila- 
delphians,  left  them  again,  and  went  into  the  province  of  New  Jersey, 
adjacent  to  Pennsylvania,  not  wishing,  as  he  himself  confessed,  to  be 
troubled  in  his  old  age  by  the  quarrels  of  the  Philadelphians.  Thus 
he  remained  with  them  about  six,  or  at  most  seven,  weeks. 

*  He  calls  himself  Tomitanus,  after  the  city  Tomis,  near  the  Black 
Sea,  to  which  the  Latin  poet  Ovid  was  exiled. 


LETTER  OP  DO.  STOY  TO  THE  STNODICAL  DEPU- 
TIES, MARCH  31,  1759. 

(Hague  92,  B.  31.) 
Very  Honorable  and  Learned  Sirs,  Eeverend  Fathers,  Zealous  Deputies 
of  the  Synods  of  North  and  South  Holland: 

In  the  name  and  by  order  of  our  Coetus  I  am  again  commissioned  to 
report  to  the  Eev.  Fathers  that  the  draft,  assigned  to  us  in  the  last  year, 
has  reached  us,  and  about  the  end  of  the  month  of  January  of  this  year 
the  money  sent  to  us  by  the  draft  was  paid  by  Messrs.  Shoemaker,  father 
and  son. 

An  account,  showing  the  distribution  of  the  donations,  follows: 
Ministers  have  received  :  Schoolteachers  : 

£.       8.  £.      *6. 

Do.  Weiss 30  Reading 3 

' '    Leydich  30  Monacacy 8 

"    Steiner 35  Conewago 1     10 

"    Rieger 30  Creutz  Creek 3 

' '    Otterbein 30  Falkner  Swamp   and  Provi- 

*'    AValdschmidt 30  dence 4 

"    DuBois 30  Tulpehocken 2 

"    Stoy 42     10      Seltenreich 2 

"    Terapelman 8  Goslienhoppen 1     10 

"    Alsentz 30  Lancaster 6 

For  the  support  of  Do.  Bar-  Traveling  expenses  of  minis- 

tholomaeus  15  ■  ters  to  the  Coetus 18     10 

Do.  Rubel 15 

Widow  of  Do.  Dorsius 7       7  Sum  385  14 

"      "  Do.  Muentz 7      7 

"      "  Do.  Wissler 2      8 

Since  the  above  sum  exceeds  the  sura  of  the  transmitted  draft  by  three 
pounds,  we  added  the  excess  from  the  money  of  the  preceding  year, 
which  remained  in  the  hands  of  Do.  Leydich. 

But  to  you,  Venerable  Fathers,  as  well  as  to  the  rest  of  our  high  and 
most  renowned  patrons  and  benefactors,  we  return  our  heartfelt  thanks. 
God,  the  Greatest,  Highest  and  Best,  heap  blessings  upon  you  in  every 
way.  With  this  most  fen^ent  wish  I  sign  myself  in  the  name  of  all, 
Most  Venerable  and  Learned  Sirs,  Reverend  Fathers,  your  most  humble 
servant,  W.  Stoy. 

Lancaster,  on  the  day  before  the  Calends  of  April  (March  31),  1759. 

(172) 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS,  HELD  AT  GOSHENHOPPEN, 
OCTOBER  9,  1759. 

(Hague  92,  B.  33;  N.  B.  No.  866.) 
Most  Esteemed  and  Learned  Sirs,  Zealous  and  Most  Vigilant 

Deputies   of   the   Synods   of  North   and   South   Holland, 

Venerahle  Fathers: 

Your  letter,  Dear  Fathers,  dated  Schiedam,  June  11th  of 
this  current  year,  has  been  duly  received,  and  the  draft  sent 
to  us  as  a  marked  proof  of  your  care  and  favor  has  been 
found  enclosed  in  it,  for  which  we  return  our  sincerest  thanks 
to  you,  Venerable  Fathei*s,  who  most  kindly  continue  to  sup- 
port us  and  our  churches,  and  like  a  father  have  promised 
further  to  continue  it.  You  have  made  mention  of  letters 
sent  to  us  some  time  ago.  If  these  have  been  sent  within 
the  present  year  we  have  not  received  them.  For  the  last 
Synodical  letters,  which  are  in  our  possession,  were  written 
at  Schiedam  on  the  8th  of  March,  1758.  We  regret  there- 
fore that  the  letters  mentioned  above  have  not  reached  us. 
However,  we  see  that  our  letter,  written  to  you  on  the  14th 
of  September  of  last  year,  arrived,  to  which  you  respond  at 
length  in  your  letters.  Meanwhile  we  deemed  it  best  to 
assemble  this  year  as  a  Ooetus  at  the  proper  time,  on  the 
9th  of  this  month  (October),  at  Goshenhoppen,  at  the  home 
of  the  sick  Do.  Weiss,  especially  since  we  received  a  few  days 
after  your  letter  a  letter  from  the  Reverend  Classis  of  Am- 
sterdam, written  on  the  11th  of  June  of  this  year. 

Now  then  it  remains  to  transcribe  what  has  been  trans- 
acted in  this  country.  By  reason  of  the  importance  of  the 
affair,  we  take  up  first  of  all,  according  to  our  custom  for 
many  years,  the  congregation  in  Philadelphia,  whose  restless 
spirit,  contrary  to  the  presage  and  omen  of  its  name,  is 
always  stirring  up  new  troubles.  The  whole  matter  has  been 
like  sport  and  mockery  thus  far,  and  so  it  will  be  until  we 
shall  leave  this  place.  Do.  Kals  arrived,  went  to  the  scene, 
was  elected  minister,  resigned  and  went  away.  For  the 
whole  aspect  was  so  much  that  of  a  battle  line  that  he  per- 

(173) 


174  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

ceived  with  whom  he  had  to  do.  Soon  Do.  Steiner*  brought 
about  a  new  scene.  We  call  it  "new"  only  because  of  the 
act  itself,  not  because  of  the  beginning.  He  had  always  his 
adherents  in  Philadelphia,  with  whom  he  conferred  secretly, 
contrary  to  his  oral  and  written  statements,  contrary  to  our 
expectation,  and  above  all  contrary  to  the  earnest  and  paternal 
admonitions  of  the  Venerable  Fathers,  made  to  him  in  your 
Classical  letter  of  July  16th,  1754,  which  has  been  read  to 
him,  and  ^vith  which  we  have  at  last  openly  reproved  him. 
Thus  he  has  added  falsehood  to  falsehood,  and  has  made 
himself  a  bad  name  by  his  shameful  deception.  For  he 
allowed  himself  to  be  called  by  the  rebellious  leaders  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  has  gone  to  Philadelphia  against  the  wish  and 
without  the  knowledge  of  the  Coetus.  At  least  he  asked 
none  of  the  brethren.  Much  less  did  he  transmit  his  inten- 
tion, as  it  would  have  been  proper,  to  the  Coetus,  either  by 
letter  or  in  any  other  decent  manner.  Do.  Steiner  indeed 
excuses  his  action,  saying  that  he  could  not  do  it  because  of 
the  ^vinter  and  the  violent  storms  of  the  opening  spring. 
But  this  threadbare  reason  is  refuted  by  Do.  Steiner  himself, 
who,  during  the  time  in  which  he  said  it  had  been  too  difficult 
for  him  to  send  letters,  did  not  only  travel  personally  to 
Philadelphia,  whence  the  whole  province  was  open  for  his 
letters,  but  even  later  on,  when  he  had  enough  time,  he  would 
not  send  any  statement  to  the  Coetus,  and  thus  he  acted 
according  to  his  owti  pleasure  as  a  man  who  is  a  law  unto 
himself.  However,  there  are  other  things  most  closely  con- 
nected with  the  call  of  Steiner.  When  Do.  Kals  arrived  he 
was  called  by  the  Philadelphians.  Being  called  he  desired 
to  become  a  member  of  our  Coetus,  which  desire  we  have 
communicated  to  the  Venerable  Synods  and  Classis.  When 
his  desire  became  known,  those  who  were  secretly  in  touch 
with  Steiner  used  every  effort  to  prevent  it.  For  they  are 
unwilling  to  be  subject  to  the  Coetus,  which  they  have  re- 

*  In  defense  of  Steiner  it  ought  to  be  stated,  that  Stoy  was  his  personal 
enemy  and  hence  no  impartial  judge;  that  the  offense  of  Steiner  was  not 
as  f^rcat  as  Stoy  wished  to  make  it  appear,  it  happened  repeatedly  with- 
out calling  forth  any  censure;  Stoy  gives  no  proofs  for  his  many 
assertions  and  finally  he  lost  his  membership  in  the  Coetus  because  of 
his  rudeness  of  speech. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1759. 


175 


peatedly  declared  in  private,  although  they  do  not  profess 
this  openly  and  publicly,  nor  do  they  venture  to  do  it  through 
others,  as  this  would  not  agree  with  their  maliciousness  with 
which  they  like  to  vex  the  Coetus,  upon  which  they  call  when- 
ever it  is  to  their  advantage;  but  if  it  happens  otherwise 
they  act  according  to  their  ovni  pleasure.  Now  when  Do. 
Kals  was  removed,  the  party  of  Steiner,  his  associates,  thought 
the  proper  time  had  come  to  call  Do.  Steiner.  And  there- 
fore since  the  other  ministers  had  been  kept  away  or  declared 
unsuitable,  they  advised  Do.  Steiner,  secretly  and  privately 
by  letters,  that  the  proper  time  had  already  come.  And  thus 
it  happened  that  by  the  end  of  January  or  February  Do. 
Steiner  came.  Passing  on  his  way  through  Lancaster  he 
gave  as  the  cause  of  this  journey,  undertaken  in  such  un- 
favorable weather,  that  he  wished  to  liberate  his  son  from 
his  life  as  a  common  soldier.  But  it  was  false.  For  he  went 
to  Philadelphia  and  preached  there,  and  although  he  appeared* 
only  as  a  guest,  yet  in  reality  he  was  there  in  order  to  lay 
the  call  which  he  had  received  from  his  party  before  the 
whole  congregation.  Returning  from  Philadelphia,  Do. 
Steiner  lied  again  at  Lancaster.  For  he  said  to  Do.  Stoy 
and  Do.  Rieger  that  the  Philadelphia  congregation  had  unani- 
mously tendered  him  a  call,  but  he  was  uncertain  whether 
he  should  accept  it.  This  was  a  double  lie.  In  the  first 
place  he  was  not  called  unanimously.  Nor  was  it  true,  that 
he  said  he  was  uncertain.  Evidently  he  tried  to  disguise 
his  actions,  since  it  is  well  known  that  for  two  years  and  even 
longer  he  worked  with  all  his  might  to  be  called  back  to 
Philadelphia,  whence  arose  all  the  difficulties  and  troubles 
for  Do.  Stoy  in  Philadelphia,  T\dth  whose  full  recital  we  shall 
not  detain  you,  Venerable  Fathers,  for  we  think  we  should 
write  a  very  unpleasant  book.  But  we  cannot  omit  to  men- 
tion among  the  worst  proofs  of  Steiner 's  malice  that  he  not 
only  endeavored  to  sow  the  seeds  of  discord  to  the  detriment 
of  those  brethren  whom  he  thought  most  earnestly  opposed 
to  his  scheme,  but  also  instigated,  during  the  last  year,  the 
worst  men  in  Philadelphia  to  bring  suit  against  Do.  Stoy, 
that  he  might  thereby  be  more  quickly  removed,  and  the  way 
to  Philadelphia  be  opened  for  himself.  For  these  and  many 
other  reasons,  which  we  pass  over  in  order  not  to  weary  you, 


176  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

it  happened  that  Do.  Steiner  at  the  Coetus  of  last  year,  moved 
by  singular  piety  and  compassion,  as  he  wished  to  appear, 
proposed  a  certain  change  which  he  had  been  thinking  about, 
namely,  of  going  for  some  time  to  Virginia,  that  there  he 
might  be  nearer  to  those  poor  Germans,  almost  altogether 
destitute  of  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  and  sighing  in  a 
dry  land,  whom  at  present  he  could  only  visit  from  time  to 
time  from  his  congregation  at  Frederick,  not  with  as  much 
fruit  as  if  he  were  with  them  for  some  time.  He  said  he 
would  confer  with  his  congregation  which  he  then  served, 
that  it  could  be  done  peaceably,  and  that  during  the  time  of 
his  stay  in  Virginia  he  would  visit  them  in  the  same  way, 
or  oftener,  as  he  had  visited  those  in  Virginia  from  Fred- 
erick. All  of  this  evidently  tended  to  the  end  of  freeing 
himself  from  his  congregation  at  Frederick  by  some  pre- 
tense, and  this  through  the  Coetus  itself,  through  whose  in- 
strumentality he  had  been  located  there  not  without  great 
labor.  It  was  a  splendid  idea,  but  the  direction  was  towards 
splendid  Philadelphia,  and  not  towards  a  barren  and  dry 
country,  where  he  could  neither  sacrifice  to  Bacchus  or  Ceres 
[i.  e.,  eat  or  drink].  But  that  Do.  Steiner  under  these  wiles 
had  the  way  to  Philadelphia  even  then  in  his  mind  we  can 
gather  from  the  fact  that,  scarcely  out  of  Coetus,  after  the 
departure  of  Do.  Stoy,  he  offered  himself  as  a  free  minister 
from  Frederick,  in  the  presence  of  Do.  Alsentz,  to  the  con- 
gregation [in  Philadelphia]  which  had  been  left  vacant,  and 
which  by  right  ought  to  have  been  left  to  itself.  For  who 
would  believe  that  within  a  few  hours  he  could  have  totally 
forgotten  his  pity  for  the  Germans  groaning  in  dry  and 
barren  Virginia? 

Truly  we  did  not  write  to  you  last  year  of  this  proposition 
of  Steiner  because  we  did  not  know  its  results,  which  we  left 
to  Do.  Steiner  and  his  congregation,  and  because  we  deferred 
it  to  be  written  this  year. 

Meanwhile  Do.  Steiner  left  Frederick  with  a  heavy  debt, 
altogether  unseemly,  and  tnily  to  the  greatest  offense  of  all, 
since  more  favors  were  shown  to  him  there,  as  all  can  testify, 
than  he  deserved.  Do.  Steiner  himself  has  not  altogether 
denied  this,  who  three  years  ago,  when  the  way  to  Frederick 
was  opened  for  him  by  great  public  labor  of  the  Coetus  and 


BECOBDS  OF  1759.  I77 

private  efforts  of  the  ministers,  openly  thanked  God  in  the 
Coetus  that  he  had  delivered  him  at  last  from  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah  (namely,  Philadelphia  and  Germantown),  and 
hoped  that  he  should  never  permit  him  to  return  there. 
Now  one  may  have  asked  which  of  the  two  would  be  so  quickly 
changed,  Do.  Steiner  or  Sodom  and  Gomorrah.  It  must 
rather  be  declared  that  he  always  silently  and  furtively  cast 
a  sheep's  eye  at  Philadelphia,  nor  did  he  wish  to  return 
unless  with  a  nev/  and  greater  clamor.  What  then  is  more 
dishonorable,  perfidious  and  deceptive  than  the  action  of  Do. 
Steiner,  who  in  our  Coetus,  held  last  year  in  Philadelphia, 
as  President,  with  the  rest  of  the  brethren,  determined  that 
Philadelphia  ought  to  be  left  to  itself,  and  transmitted  this 
decision  of  the  Coetus  to  the  Venerable  Synods  signed  by 
himself  as  President,  yet  a  short  time  afterwards  he  him- 
self hastens  to  Philadelphia  mthout  the  knowledge  of  the 
Coetus  and  there  becomes  a  minister.  And  finally,  oblivious 
to  all  honor  and  shame,  he  tries  to  persuade  the  members  of 
his  congregation,  who  do  not  have  a  good  but  just  opinion 
of  him,  that  Coetus  has  treated  the  congregation  of  Pliila- 
delphia  unfairly  and  unrighteously,  and  had  wished  to  de- 
prive it  of  its  liberty,  and  that  he  was  the  one  who  had  the 
courage  and  duty  to  expose  this  matter.  He,  as  President 
of  the  Coetus  to  enforce  its  acts  in  its  name,  himself  accuses 
these  acts  of  injustice  and  unrighteousness!  "What  will  he 
not  say,  if  it  only  appears  appropriate  to  him,  to  draw  men 
to  his  party?  This  corresponds  with  the  earlier  and  detest- 
able deeds  of  this  man,  of  which  we  thought  he  had  repented 
long  ago  and  was  ashamed  of  them,  when  four  years  ago  we 
received  him  again  as  a  member  of  Coetus.  But  a  sad  expe- 
rience has  taught  us  the  contrary.  For  in  what  manner  did 
that  perfidious  man  after  his  arrival  on  these  shores,  about 
eleven  years  ago,  agree  to  the  Acts  of  the  Coetus  (then  held 
in  Philadelphia) ,  with  a  lying  mouth  and  hand,  and  promise 
to  go  to  Lancaster,  whither  he  had  been  called.  Yet  he  did 
otherwise  and  acted  his  malicious  part  under  the  guise  of  a 
severe  sickness,  of  which  he  declared  he  had  been  seized  when 
he  signed  the  Acts,  and  had  become  incapacitated  in  mind 
and  judgment.  Afterwards  he  wished  to  palliate  his  offense, 
though  mtnesses  then  present,  even  to  this  day,  prove  the 
12 


178  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

contrary.  Thus  also  now  the  cloak  of  pretense  is  not  want- 
ing to  him  for  his  most  disgraceful  perfidy,  that  he  may  not 
appear  quite  so  ungrateful  to  the  Venerable  Synods,  Classis 
and  Coetus  as  he  is.  For  comfort  and  ease  he  applied  to 
the  Coetus,  and  always  received  the  greater  part.  For  in 
some  way  we  were  eager  to  assist  the  needy  Do.  Steiner  when 
in  debt,  but  all  in  vain.  Nay,  how  he  thanks  the  Venerable 
Synods  and  the  Coetus !  After  he  thought  that  the  Holland 
subsidies  would  of  themselves  stop  with  the  last  year  he 
believed  that  hereafter  he  could  act  as  he  pleased  with  im- 
punity, which  before  he  had  carefully  concealed,  the  tricky- 
man  and  adept  in  fraud!  Certainly  we  must  grieve  that  a 
man  endowed  with  his  external  gifts,  and  besides  useful  for 
his  knowledge,  will  so  gi-eatly  defile  the  doctrines  which  he 
professes  by  such  a  disgraceful  and  profligate  life,  so  that 
if  men  only  behold  him  and  the  life  he  lives,  not  one  of  them 
can  have  any  more  faith  in  him.  Many  have  acknowledged 
this  ^vith  grief.  But  thus  he  agrees  with  Philadelphia.  For 
why  should  a  vagrant  find  fault  with  deception  and  a  spend- 
thrift wdth  high  living? 

The  Steiner  affair  is  too  unsavory.  Would  that  we  were 
not  compelled  to  sadden  the  Venerable  SjTiods  ^vith  it.  Cer- 
tainly we  shall  unwillingly  describe  two  examples  of  Steiner 's 
most  iniquitous  deception  which  were  exposed  at  our  last 
Coetus. 

In  the  past  year,  when  Do.  Stoy  still  lived  in  Philadelphia, 
he  had  collected  a  certain  sum,  namely,  three  pounds  and  six- 
teen shillings,  equal  to  five  and  a  half  gold  ducats  in  Holland 
money,  for  the  use  of  the  Canawago  [Conewago]  congrega- 
tion to  build  a  sacred  edifice  there.  He  entrusted  those 
benevolent  collections  into  the  hands  of  Do.  Steiner,  minister 
of  that  congregation  at  that  time,  asking  him  when  on  his 
journey  to  [Frederick  and]  Conewago  to  give  them  to  the 
elders  of  this  congregation,  who  had  pre\T[ously  applied  to 
Do.  Stoy  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  these  benevolent  col- 
lections. But  Do.  Steiner  did  not  do  this.  He  did  not  even 
tell  them  that  the  money  was  in  his  hands  till  some  time 
after^^ard,  and  then  he  kept  it  most  unjustly  for  salary. 
There  is  nothing  so  sacred  but  what  hands  accustomed  to 
fraud  will  seize. 


EECOEDS  OF  1759.  I79 

Furthermore,  in  accordance  Avith  the  very  proposition  of  Do. 
Steiner,  already  twice  a  sum  of  thirty  shillings  (about  ten 
florins  in  Hollan.d  money)  had  been  apportioned  to  the  Cone- 
wago  schcohnaster  from  the  Holland  subsidies  and  the 
friendly  gifts  of  the  Venerable  Fathers,  but  the  first  time 
that  poor  schoolmaster  evidently  received  nothing,  and  the 
second  time  he  gave  him  only  one-fourth  of  the  annual  sum. 
Having  learned  this,  when  we  questioned  Do.  Steiner  at  our 
last  Coetus,  he  gave  this  as  an  excuse:  he  wished  to  include 
that  money  in  his  account  with  the  Coetus  this  year,  a  thread- 
bare excuse,  which  argued  fraud  itself,  for  money  of  this 
kind  cannot  be  included  in  later  accounts.  This  money  had 
been  handed  over  to  Do.  Steiner  by  order  of  the  whole  Coetus, 
under  his  own  presidency,  through  Do.  Stoy,  to  whom  the 
care  of  receiving  and  distributing  money  had  been  entrusted 
by  the  brethren,  and  therefore  it  was  to  be  used  only  for 
what  it  had  been  appropriated,  and  not  for  the  use  of  Do. 
Steiner.  And  I  ask,  if  Do.  Steiner  ^^-ished  to  add  that  money 
to  the  Coetus  account,  why  did  he  not  add  his  first  annual 
amount  given  to  him  at  our  Coetus  last  year,  which  sum  he 
fuUy  retained.  These  things  have  been  pressed  repeatedly 
upon  Do.  Steiner.  He,  becoming  conscious  of  his  wickedness, 
used  to  reply  by  asking:  why  has  not  also  Do.  Stoy  given 
anything  to  the  Philadelphia  schoolmaster  for  the  last  year*? 

He,  as  a  drunkard,  and  as  one  openly  involved  in  all  the 
Philadelpliia  quarrels  to  the  detriment  of  the  ministers,  shall 
be  excluded  from  the  whole  Coetus  with  the  full  knowledge 
of  the  brethren,  Steiner  himself  not  being  ignorant  of  it, 
and  cast  out  consequently,  together  with  his  congregation, 
not  secretly,  but  publicly,  which  action  has  also  been  ratified 
by  the  Venerable  Fathers  of  the  Amsterdam  Classis  in  their 
last  letters.  Moreover,  all  these  things  having  been  t-aken 
into  consideration  at  our  last  Coetus,  we  honestly  thought 
and  concluded  that  Do.  Steiner,  the  prime  author  and  per- 
petual supporter  and  instigator  of  every  Philadelphia  quarrel, 
as  well  as  a  man  fraudulent  in  every  way,  ungrateful,  and 
in  the  highest  degree  unworthy  of  the  gifts  of  the  Fathers, 
should  himself  have  to  leave,  together  with  his  congregation 
in  Philadelphia,  and  be  excluded  from  our  Coetus,  lest  we 
should  have  litigation  and  trouble  with  them.     Certainly  the 


180  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

more  disgracefully  he  is  discharged,  the  less  likely  is  he  to 
be  readmitted,  even  as  a  guest,  over  which  we  ourselves  ex- 
ceedingly grieve.  For  who  would  have  thought  of  such  a 
nefarious  crime  on  the  part  of  Do.  Steiner?  We  hope,  be- 
sides, that  our  decision  will  not  displease  you.  Venerable 
Fathers,  having  been  supported  indeed  by  your  reply  in  the 
letter  of  the  Classis. 

As  to  Do.  Lischy,  he  has  hitherto  persisted  in  the  same 
hardness  of  heart  in  which  he  first  began.  Yet  his  fault, 
by  which,  as  he  himself  confessed  with  his  o^vn  hand,  he 
has  given  public  offense  to  many,  could  have  been  corrected 
immediately  at  the  beginning  in  a  just  manner  for  the  public 
good,  and  a  public  scandal  avoided ;  but  he,  fleeing  from  a  just 
censure,  has  himself  prevented  this.  What  action  we  have 
taken  with  him  is  known  to  you.  Venerable  Fathers,  from  our 
Acts  of  the  year  1757.  He  was  invited  to  appear  publicly 
at  our  Coetus  and  explain  matters,  but  he  failed  to  do  so. 
He  was  called  to  present  himself  before  a  committee  of  our 
Coetus,  but  he  did  not  come.  He  was  unwilling  to  submit 
himself  to  trial  and  the  censure  of  the  Coetus,  but  contrary 
to  your  most  express  desire.  Venerable  Fathers,  he  appealed 
to  the  Synods  and  Classis.  We  suspended  him  at  first  tem- 
porarily from  his  ministerial  functions,  until  the  time  that 
the  cause  of  the  offense  could  be  removed.  He  acted  dis- 
obediently, broke  in  the  doors  of  the  church  by  force  with 
his  companions,  and  proceeded  to  do  what  he  thought  proper. 
For  in  this  country  we  cannot  compel  him  to  submit.  We 
do  not  know  whether  he  has  reported  his  affair  to  the  Vener- 
able Fathers.  We  must  surely  deplore  the  arbitrariness  with 
which  Do.  Lischy  turns  the  liberty  of  his  piety,  in  spite  of 
public  warnings,  into  an  unrestrained  license,  and  by  which 
he  l^as  removed  himself  not  only  from  ecclesiastical  censure, 
l)ut  even  from  the  whole  Coetus.  Therefore,  as  we  wrote  to 
you  all  about  the  Lischy  affair  two  years  ago,  and  as  it  is 
!iow,  we  leave  it  to  the  Venerable  Synods  to  be  settled. 

The  status  of  our  churches  in  this  country  is  in  other  re- 
spects quiet  and  peaceful,  tending  to  a  better  edification, 
especially  after  the  calamities  of  war  have  begun  to  cease. 

The  service  performed  by  the  ministers  is  about  the  same 
as  when  we  wrote  last  year.     The  Frederick  congregation. 


EECOBDS  OF  1759.  lgi[ 

ha\T[ng  been  left  by  Do.  Steiner,  still  needs  a  minister.  I\Iean- 
while  it  is  visited  as  often  as  possible  by  Do.  Otterbein,  to 
whom  it  has  also  offered  a  call,  which,  however,  he  has  hith- 
erto refused  to  accept,  partly  on  account  of  the  Tulpehocken 
congregations,  which  he  is  serving,  partly  on  account  of  his 
return  to  his  native  country,  which  he  is  still  contemplating. 
For  war  is  the  only  cause  which  has  kept  him  here  on  these 
shores  longer  than  he  had  intended.  Indeed,  in  conformity 
with  the  wish  of  the  Venerable  Fathers,  who  desired  us  to 
persuade  Do.  Otterbein  to  remain  here,  he  expressed  his  feel- 
ings by  saying  he  could  and  w^ould  remain  if  it  were  the  will 
of  God  and  war  should  not  cease,  for  he  was  unwilling  to 
expose  himself  to  the  dangers  of  war  of  his  own  accord  when 
no  necessity  demanded  it.  If  there  were  no  danger  he  would 
return  to  his  native  country,  at  least  temporarily,  the  will 
of  God  permitting  him,  nor  was  he  certain  whether  he  would 
ever  return  hither  or  not. 

Do.  Du  Bois  has  hitherto  remained  a  member  of  our  Coetus, 
and  will  continue  as  such,  unless  perhaps  he  be  drawn  away 
elsew^here  by  a  legitimate  call.  He  was  not  present  at  our 
last  Coetus,  because  of  the  unfavorable  health  of  his  family, 
chiefly  his  wife,  who  was  very  ill  at  the  time. 

Finally,  Venerable  Fathers,  whatever  you  have  wished 
concerning  our  congregations  and  the  members  of  the  same 
we  shall  take  pains  to  carry  out,  even  to  the  minutest  point, 
and  shall  make  a  most  exact  report  of  all  things.  But  we 
desire  to  ask  your  permission  to  postpone  this  till  the  next 
opportunity,  partly  on  account  of  the  delay  of  these  letters, 
and  partly  because  at  our  Coetus  not  everybody  was  ready 
to  give  the  facts  necessary  for  a  list  of  that  kind,  and,  more- 
over, the  brethren  live  at  a  great  distance  apart  from  one 
another. 

We  made  no  mention  last  year  of  the  donations  from  the 
most  noble  London  Society,  nor  did  we  send  a  list.  At  the 
time  of  our  Coetus  last  year  we  had  received  nothing,  and 
immediately  afterwards  Rev.  Prof.  Smith,  Secretary  of  the 
Honorable  Directors,  undertaking  a  journey  to  England,  was 
prevented  from  giving  the  annual  donations  to  some  of  us. 
But  this  year  he  paid  each  one  both  what  was  remaining  and 
what  was  our  present  annual  sum.     The  sum  was  the  same 


1S2  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

for  botli  the  last  years  as  it  had  been  at  first,  except  that 
Do.  Alsentz,  who  was  added  to  our  number,  was  also  included 
among  the  beneficiaries  of  the  most  noble  London  Society 
with  eight  pounds  per  annum. 

Finally,  we  conclude  with  as  much  gratitude  as  we  are 
capable  of  for  the  immense  benefits  and  the  many  acts  of 
kindness  which  you  have  repeatedly  showered  upon  us  and 
the  Pennsylvania  churches.  May  God,  the  Father  Almighty, 
our  most  merciful  Father  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  reward 
you  for  these  things  with  his  manifold  benediction,  you  who 
are  so  eager  to  be  liberal  in  helping  and  lifting  up  the  needy 
for  the  eternal  welfare  of  their  souls.  ]\Iay  Jehovah  at  last 
crown  you  all  with  righteousness  and  give  you  unfading  glory 
in  this  life  and  in  the  future  life.  "With  this  earnest  prayer, 
and  very  sincerely,  in  the  name  of  all,  most  Venerable  and 
Learned  Sirs  of  the  South  and  North  Holland  Synods,  zealous 
and  most  \dgilant  Deputies,  Reverend  Fathers,  we  sign  our- 
selves most  humbly  your  most  obedient  servants, 

John  \Yaldschmidt,  President. 

J.  B.  RiEGER. 

W.  Stoy. 
Given  at  Goshenhoppen,  October  9th,  1759. 


DISTRIBUTION  OF  THE  DONATIONS. 


10 


10 


To  Ministers :  To  Schoolmasters : 

£.      s.  £. 

Do.  Weiss 30 

"    Kieger 30 

''    Leydich 30 

''    Otterbein 37     10 

"    Stoy 30 

"    Waldschmidt 30 

"    DuBois 20 

"    Alsentz 30 

'*    Tempelman  10 

For    supporting     Bartholo- 

meus 25 

Widow  Muntz 7       7 

Widow  Dorsius 7       7 

Kubel's    Donation   made    to 

Philadelphia 15 

P.  S.  In  behalf  of  the  noble  merchants,  Messrs.  Benj.  and  Samuel 
Shoemaker,  of  Philadelphia,  we  must  inform  the  Venerable  Fathers 
that  the  draft  had  not  been  endorsed  by  the  Venerable  Synods,  as  is 
customary.  They  have  indeed  not  refused  to  accept  the  draft,  which 
was  directed  to  them;  however,  they  ask  that  hereafter  it  may  not  be 
omitted.  But  the  first  draft  has  not  arrived.  This  is  the  second. 
Most  humbly  I  ask  your  pardon,  Venerable  Fathers,  that  I  should  have 
been  compelled  to  mention  these  things.  I  remain,  Venerable  Fathers, 
your  most  humble  servant,  John  G.  Alsentz. 

(183) 


Lancaster • 

Creutz  Creek ■ 

Conewago    

Beading 

Goshenhoppen 

Falkner  Swamp 2 

Tulpehocken 4 

Expenses    of    Coetus     and 

Traveling  expenses 14      5 

339       9 
Kemaining  in  the  hands  of  Do.  Ley- 
dich, 56  £.  5  s.  7  d. 


MINUTES  OF  SPECIAL  COETUS,  HELD  AT  FALKNER 
SWAMP,  MAY  28,  1760. 

(N.  B.,  No.  889.) 

Voy  Reverend,  Very  Learned  and  Honored  Sirs,  and  Fath- 
ers in  Christ: 

Your  honored  letter,  dated  December  20,  1759,  was  received 
by  us  with  much  pleasure,  and  opened  at  a  private  [or 
special]  meeting  of  Coetus.  Through  God's  goodness  there 
appeared  at  this  Coetus,  Dos,  Eieger,  Leydich,  Stoy,  Otter- 
bein,  Waldschmidt,  Du  Bois  and  Alsentz.  Do.  Weiss  ex- 
cused himself  on  account  of  infirmity. 

As  to  the  first  point  of  your  Reverences'  letter,  namely,  that 
referring  to  the  letter  of  June  11,  1759,  the  same  not  only 
reached  us  safely,  but  was  also  answered  in  our  Coetus  of 
October  9,  1759,  and  sent  over  with  the  first  opportunity, 
so  that  we  entertain  the  well-founded  hope  of  learning  that 
this  answer  has  safely  reached  you. 

As  to  the  desired  report  on  the  condition  of  our  churches, 
we  trust  we  shall  now  give  satisfaction,  flattering  ourselves 
with  the  well-founded  conviction  that  our  delay  wdll  have 
caused  no  displeasure,  since  it  was  impossible  for  us,  on  re- 
ceiving the  letter  of  the  Rev.  Synods,  immediately  to  reply 
to  every  point  with  certainty  and  truth. 

We  begin  then  with  Lancaster.  When  Do.  Stoy  arrived 
there  in  the  year  1758,  in  the  month  of  October,  he  found 
about  100  families  belonging  to  the  congregation.  Since 
that  time  he  has  baptized  up  to  the  month  of  May,  1760,  116 
children.  During  the  same  time  he  instructed  in  the  Con- 
fession of  Faith,  and  received  as  members,  40  persons.  Sixty 
children  are  in  attendance  upon  the  school. 

At  Tulpehocken  are  two  congregations,  which  are  at  pres- 
ent still  served  by  Do.  Otterbein.  In  the  one  congregation 
there  are  about  40  families,  or  about  80  members;  in  the 
other,  25  families  or  about  40  members.  In  both  congre- 
gations 30  children  were  baptized  during  1759,  and  no  young 

(184) 


BECOBDS  OF  1760.  ^35 

persons  received  into  membership.  In  the  former,  larger 
congregation,  during  last  winter,  40  children  attended  school, 
and  in  the  other  about  30  children. 

At  CocalicOj  Do.  Waldschmidt 's  charge,  there  are  120 
members.  In  the  year  1759  he  baptized  50  children.  Fifteen 
young  persons  were  instructed  in  the  Confession  of  Faith, 
and  received  as  members.  He  could  give  no  report  about 
the  schools. 

At  Falkner  Swamp  and  Providence,  Do.  Leydich  has  at 
present  102  families.  In  1759  he  baptized  32  children  and 
13  adults.  He  instructed  28  persons  in  the  Confession  of 
Faith,  and  received  them  as  members.  About  60  children  at- 
tend the  schools. 

At  Old  Goshenkoppen  Do.  Weiss  has  30  families,  at  New 
Goshenhoppen,  45,  and  in  the  Great  Swamp,  33.  In  1759  he 
baptized  in  the  three  congregations  60  children,  and  in- 
structed 33  persons  in  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  received 
them  as  members.     About  the  schools  he  could  give  no  report. 

At  Germantown  Do.  Alsentz  has  now  about  70  families, 
and  at  "Witpen  about  20.  At  Germanto^^^l  are  about  160 
members ;  at  Witpen,  between  30  and  40.  In  both  congrega- 
tions during  1758  and  1759  (for  in  the  month  of  February, 
1758,  he  arrived  there),  he  baptized  121  children,  and  one 
woman  of  thirty-three  years  of  age.  During  those  two  years 
he  instructed  33  persons  in  the  Confession  of  Faith  and  re- 
ceived them  as  members.  About  60  children  attend  the 
schools. 

Do.  Eieger,  who  serves  Schaeffer's  Church  and  Seltenreich, 
has  not  yet  been  able  to  render  a  report  about  his  congre- 
gations. 

Do.  Du  Bois,  of  South  and  Northampton,  was  also  unable 
as  yet  to  render  a  report.  We  are  obliged,  therefore,  to 
leave  these  tiU  another  occasion. 

In  this  connection  Ave  must  remark,  in  a  general  way,  that 
in  the  congregations  many  families  consist  of  Reformed  and 
Lutherans,  the  husband  being  Reformed  and  the  wife  Luth- 
eran, or  vice  versa.  Husband  and  wife  together  attend  the 
church  of  their  choice.  There  are  also  the  sects  and  ad- 
venturers   (land-loopers),  who  frequently  seek  to  persuade 


186  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

the  church  people  wdth  their  talk  and  wdn  them  over.  This 
succeeds  now  very  rarely,  yet  it  confuses  the  minds  of  the 
church  members  and  m£ikes  them  disinclined  to  aid  in  the 
support  of  a  minister.  Thus  there  arises  a  state  of  indiffer- 
ence every^vhere,  which  makes  our  salary  so  small  and  our 
ministry  so  discouraging. 

We  must  indeed  admit  concerning  what  your  Reverences 
mention  with  regard  to  the  continuance  of  the  donations, 
that  a  solicitation  might  have  been  expected  from  us,  and  the 
need  of  these  same  donations  might  well  have  forced  us  to 
make  one.  But  when  the  Rev.  Fathers  had  told  us  that  their 
High  Mightinesses  [The  States  of  Holland  and  West  Fries- 
land]  were  not  willing  to  contribute  anything  more  for  our 
support,  we  dared  not  venture  to  do  so  without  further  word 
from  your  Reverences;  the  more  so,  as  the  circumstances  of 
their  High  Mightinesses  were  entirely  unkno"\vn  to  us.  But 
since  it  has  now  pleased  the  benevolent  God  and  Father  of 
all  mercies,  by  his  wonderful  guidance,  without  our  co-opera- 
tion, to  supply  our  need  in  our  difficult  position  by  means  of 
your  paternal  concern,  our  hearts  and  hands  are  the  more 
extended  toward  heaven  to  thank  the  Eternal  Father  in 
Jesus  Christ,  and  to  magnify  his  name,  for  the  manifold  bene- 
fits which  he  bestows  upon  us.     Ps.  xxxiii.  21. 

Being  conscious  that  we  are  unworthy  of  your  favor  and 
love,  it  is  too  difficult  for  our  pen  to  express  the  thankful- 
ness which  our  hearts  feel  we  owe  to  you.  Therefore,  we 
lay  our  hearts  before  your  Reverences  ^^dth  the  deepest  ac- 
knowledgment and  appreciation  of  your  love  and  benevol- 
ence, together  with  all  the  dutiful  praise  and  gratitude  which 
they  may  utter,  and  wish  only  that  we  were  better  fitted  to 
properly  estimate  your  love  and  benevolence,  and  to  make 
ourselves  worthy  of  them.  Our  labors  will  always  be  so 
directed  and  our  most  fervent  prayers  will  be  that  your 
Reverences  may  have  joy,  not  only  here  in  return  for  your 
trouble  undertaken  for  the  extension  of  Christ's  kingdom, 
but  that  also  in  glory  you  may  enjoy  the  harvest  of  your 
liberal  sowing. 

In  accordance  with  your  kind  reminder,  we  send  herewith 
our  cordial  thanks  to  the  honorable  Sir,  the  Grand  Pensionary 


EECOEDS  OF  1760.  Igy 

[Prime  Minister]  and  their  Honors,  tlie  High  Estimable 
Messrs.  Burgomasters  [of  Amsterdam],  mth  humble  request 
that  they  may  be  transmitted  to  them. 

With  regard  to  the  Philadelphia  congregation:  it  is  still 
in  the  same  confusion.  Many  members  of  the  congregation 
can  and  will  have  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  Do.  Steiner; 
and,  therefore,  the  contentions  will  not  soon  come  to  an  end. 
"What  Do.  Steiner 's  circumstances  are,  your  Reverences  will 
have  learned  from  our  last  Minutes. 

The  circumstances  of  Do.  Lischy  have  been  frequently 
mentioned  in  our  Minutes.  But,  since  Do.  Lischy,  on  account 
of  his  scandalous  conduct,  had  withdrawn  from  the  Coetus 
and  appealed  directly  to  the  Rev.  Synods,  therefore,  nothing 
more  could  be  done  by  Coetus,  after  it  had  reported  the 
matter  to  your  Reverences  and  the  Rev.  Synods,  than  to 
see  hov/  Do.  Lischy  would  present  his  case,  and  what  might 
be  the  decision  of  your  Reverences  and  of  the  Rev.  Synods. 
And  whereas  he  would,  in  no  wise  subject  himself  to  the 
censure  of  Coetus  as  illegalis  [disorderly],  and  has  not  at 
present  appeared  before  Coetus  (thus  giving  us  reason  to 
doubt  that  he  is  really  penitent)  he  has  therefore  been  ex- 
cluded from  the  Coetus,  until  we  shall  have  received  further 
instructions  from  your  Reverences  and  the  Rev.  Synods. 

With  pleasure  we  can  now  inform  you  that  Do.  Otterbein 
has  concluded  to  remain  longer  with  us.  He  continues  to 
labor  with  much  pains  and  blessing  at  Tulpehocken,  and 
sometimes  travels  also  to  Frederick  in  Maryland,  in  order 
to  keep  together  and  feed  with  God's  word  the  sheep  left 
without  a  shepherd  by  Do.  Steiner. 

We  also  take  the  liberty  of  reporting  to  your  Reverences 
that  a  considerable  congregation  in  New  Jersey,  at  a  place 
called  Amwell,  about  thirty-eight  English  miles  from  Phila- 
delphia, has  handed  to  us  a  request  for  a  pastor  together  with 
a  call  to  him.  The  congregation  is  large,  and  for  four  years 
has  been  without  a  pastor.  Do.  Stoy,  while  he  was  still  liv- 
ing in  Philadelphia,  preached  there  sometimes  during  the 
year,  and  Do.  Alsentz  now  supplies  them  occasionally.  Many 
excellent  people  still  remain,  but  as  a  general  thing  they  are 
beginning  to  decline  greatly,  especially  the  young  people. 


188  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Therefore,  we  are  the  more  constrained  to  trouble  your 
•Reverences  vrith.  the  request  to  send  over  to  us  an  efficient 
and  faithful  person,  to  be  installed  as  pastor  by  us  in  that 
congregation.  The  people  are  mostly  from  the  County  of 
Berg  and  Neuwded  [in  Germany].  The  congregation  offers 
fifty  pounds  annually,  and  a  free  residence.  Besides  this 
there  are  several  smaller  congregations,  several  miles  distant, 
German  as  well  as  Dutch,  which  also  greatly  desire  a  pastor, 
so  that  there  will  be  no  uncertainty  as  to  support.  The  con- 
gregation has  also  offered  to  help  to  pay  the  traveling  expenses 
if  necessary.  Our  full  confidence  in  your  fatherly  care 
causes  us  not  to  doubt  that  our  humble  request  will  be 
complied  with. 

Concluding,  it  is  our  heart's  wish  that  the  God  of  all 
grace,  and  the  Eternal  Father  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ,  be  with  your  Reverences  and  ^\dth  us  all,  through  the 
fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  We  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
scribe ourselves,  with  all  esteem, 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned,  Highly  Esteemed  Sirs  and 
Fathers  in  Christ, 

Your  Reverences '  humble  servants  and  brethren  in  the  Lord, 

John  Ph.  Leydich,  Pres. 
John   George  Alsentz,   Sec. 

Done  in  our  Coetal  Assembly,  held  at  Falkner  Swamp, 
May  28,  1760. 


LETTER  OF  THANKS  ADDRESSED  BY  COETUS  TO 

THE  GRAND  PENSIONARY  OF  HOLLAND, 

PETER  STEIN,  MAY  28,  1760. 

(N.  B.,  No.  890.) 

Most  Noble,  Wise,  and  Highly  Esteemed  Sir! 

Having  understood,  with  the  greatest  joy,  from  the  latest  lettera  of 
the  Eeverend  Deputies  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  that  the  hearts 
of  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  States  [of  Holland  and  "West  Friesland] 
in  general,  and  your  own  in  particular,  are  again  inclined  towards  us  in 
benevolent  affection,  in  order  to  sustain  the  feeble  and  low  estate  of  our 
churches  with  your  paternal  care  and  aid,  and  to  supply  our  manifold 
deficiencies  with  your  favorable  benefactions,  we  take,  with  all  humility, 
the  liberty  to  lay  before  you  with  our  feeble  pen  our  hearty  and  thankful 
acknowledgment. 

The  high  favors  and  special  manifestation  of  such  great  love  have  the 
more  filled  our  hearts  with  the  greatest  gladness  and  highest  expression 
of  thanks,  as  all  hope  was  nearly  cut  off  from  us,  and  all  freedom  taken 
away,  to  transmit  to  you  our  submissive  request  for  the  necessary  and 
agreeable  gift  of  your  noble  benevolence  towards  our  support.  And 
whereas  nothing  was  left  to  us  but  to  commend  our  case  to  the  Lord, 
whose  eternal  faithfulness  we  could  not  doubt,  and  who  has  upon  His 
heart  His  churches  as  well  as  His  servants,  we  must  now  say  with  David, 
in  Ps.  xxxi.  21,  "  Blessed  be  the  Lord:  for  he  hath  showed  me  his  mar- 
velous  kindness. ' ' 

The  greater  your  affection  and  benevolence  tovrards  us  now  are,  and 
the  longer  they  now  have  lasted,  the  less  we  have  deserved  them,  and 
the  more  do  they  demand  our  esteem,  and  the  greatest  capability  of 
estimating  and  valuing  them.  But  the  well-ordered  ideas,  the  choice 
words,  and  the  elevated  style  fail  us  to  praise  and  express  worthily  your 
noble  virtues,  favors,  love,  and  benevolence:  hence,  most  noble  Sir,  we 
cannot  do  otherwise  than  lay  down  before  you  our  hearts  in  all  humility, 
hearts  which  burn  with  the  most  fervent  and  real  gratitude,  esteem,  and 
inclination  for  your  temporal  and  eternal  well-being.  Eeceive,  then, 
these  our  hearts  as  pledges  of  our  duty  done,  with  that  generosity  where- 
with you  began  to  manifest  toward  us  this  unmerited  favor:  we  here- 
with openly  confessing  that  we  shall  never  be  sufficiently  able  to  express 
and  write  down  with  enough  praise  and  lustre  your  inestimable  and 
loving  benefactions. 

However,  as  your  benevolence  flows  forth  from  a  tender  affection  for 
our  Pennsylvania  Zion,  we  assure  you  that,  by  God's  grace,  as  we  have 
begun,  so  we  will  continue  in  our  ministry,  with  all  diligence  to  labor 
among  the  congregations  entrusted  to  us,  that  they  may  be  prepared  as 

(189) 


190  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

vessels  to  God's  glory;  and  we  umte  their  hearts  with  ours  in  sincerest 
petitions  to  the  Father  of  all  mercy  that  He  will  preserve  your  noble 
and  high  person  a  long  time  in  health,  to  the  joy  of  your  entire  house, 
and  to  the  best  interests  of  state  and  church,  and  that  He  will  support 
you  with  enduring  strength  and  wisdom  in  your  eminent  but  difficult 
position,  and  crown  all  your  efforts,  both  for  your  own  high  person  and 
for  the  state,  land  and  church,  with  temporal  and  eternal  blessings. 
May  our  precious  King  Jesus  cause  you  to  behold  the  fulfilment  of  Hi3 
promise,  that  that  which  is  done  to  the  least  of  all  His  brethren,  is  done 
unto  Him,  and  shall  therefore  also  be  rewarded  by  Him  hereafter  with 
an  eternal  reward  of  grace  in  abundant  glory. 

Concluding  now,  we  request  most  humbly  that  these,  our  slight  but 
hea.rtfelt  es-pressions  of  thanks,  be  accepted  with  favorable  hands  as 
our  dutiful  obligation,  and  that  our  churches  and  ourselves  be  kept  in 
your  benevolent  and  affectionate  remembrance,  and  their  best  interests 
be  advanced.  We  have  the  honor  to  subscribe  ourselves  most  humbly, 
with  all  respect  and  esteem. 

Very  Noble,  Very  Wise,  and  Highly  Learned  Sir, 

Your  submissive,  most  obedient  and  most  dutiful  servants, 

John  Ph.  Leydioh,  Pres., 
John  George  Alsentz,  Sec. 

Given  in  our  Coetal  Assembly,  held  at  Falkner  Swamp,  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, May  28,  1760. 

Address:  To  the  Most  Noble  Sir,  Mr.  Peter  Stein,  Raad  Pensionaris, 
at  the  Hague. 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS,  HELD  IN  GERMANTOWN, 
OCTOBER  21  AND  22,  1760. 

(N.  B.,  No.  8941/2.) 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned  Sirs,  and  Fathers  in  Christ: 

Our  Coetus  was  opened  with  a  sermon  on  2  Timothy  ii. 
25-26,  preached  with  impressiveness  by  Do.  Otterbein.  The 
Ministers  present  were,  Otterbein,  Stoy,  Rieger,  Weiss,  Leydich 
Alsentz,  Du  Bois  and  Waldschmidt,  with  their  elders. 

SESSION  I.      p.  M. 

1.  The  letters  were  opened  and  attentively  read;  the  one 
from  the  Rev.  Synods,  dated  May  5th,  the  other  from  the 
Rev.  Classis,  dated  May  12,  1760. 

2.  By  previous  order  of  the  Rev.  Coetus,  Do.  Leydich 
had  visited  every  congregation  and  had  found  them  in  the 
following  condition: 

(1)  Regarding  Do.  Otterbein,  mention  was  made  in  our 
last  letters  of  his  stay  at  Tulpehocken  (a  congregation  which 
he  has  served  for  some  time  with  blessing.  But  now  upon 
the  advice  of  the  Rev.  Coetus  his  Reverence  has  been  trans- 
ferred to  a  large  congregation  at  Monocacy  (Frederick), 
which  was  at  a  very  great  distance  from  any  service,  whereas 
Tulpehocken  can  easily  be  supplied  now  and  tlien  by  neigh- 
boring ministers. 

(2)  Regarding  Do.  Rieger:  his  congregations  were  satis- 
fied with  him,  if  his  Reverence  should  continue  in  his  zeal 
(begun  a  little  while  ago). 

(3)  Regarding  Do.  Stoy:  his  congregation  was  very  well 
satisfied  T^dth  his  services  and  himself. 

(4)  Regarding  Do.  Waldschmidt:  his  churches  were  satis- 
fied with  his  preaching,  but  ^^dshed  he  might  be  more  dili- 
gent in  house-visitation  and  more  careful  in  his  conduct. 

(5)  The  congregations  of  Do.  Weiss  having  enjoyed  his 
services  in  his  younger  days  of  health,  are  now  also  willing 
patiently  to  bear  with  his  age  and  feebleness. 

(6)  The  congregation  in  Germantown  is  well  pleased  with 

(191) 


192  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Do.  Alsentz,  and  has  also  consented,  with  the  approval  of  the 
Rev.  Coetus,  that  every  fourth  week  he  should  supply  "Witpen, 
a  small  place  in  the  neighborhood,  located  ten  miles  from 
Germantown. 

(7)  There  is  still  good  harmony  between  Do.  Leydich,  his 
consistoiy  and  congregation. 

(8)  About  Do.  Du  Bois,  no  complaints  are  heard;  his  con- 
gregation is  pleased  with  him,  and  has  his  [proposed]  de- 
parture under  consideration. 

(9)  Do.  Tempelman  is  stone  blind,  he  preaches  in  his  own 
house,  but  very  rarely. 

3.  A  delegate  from  a  portion  of  the  congregation  in  Phila- 
delphia appeared  before  us  requesting  help  from  the  Rev. 
Coetus.  But  Do.  Steiner  and  his  congregation  having  been 
excluded,  we  aw^ait  the  reply  from  the  Rev.  Synods  and  the 
Rev.  Classis  as  to  what  shall  be  done  with  that  portion  v/hich 
is  willing  to  subject  itself  to  the  Rev.  Coetus.  We  think  it 
inadvisable  to  supply  them  under  the  present  circumstances, 
as  we  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  would  only  be  throwing  oil 
upon  the  old  fires  of  contention,  and  make  the  quarrel  worse 
instead  of  healing  it. 

4.  It  was  resolved  that  Dos.  Otterbein  and  Stoy  should 
travel  through  the  congregations  in  order  to  visit  them, 
and  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  and  condition  of  each. 

5.  By  order  of  the  Rev.  Synods  18  pounds  were  granted 
to  Mr.  Steiner  for  his  supply  of  IMonocacy,  seven  months, 
extending  from  the  middle  of  October  to  May.  This  reso- 
lution was  forwarded  to  him. 

6.  The  school-teacher  of  Philadelphia,  whose  part  of  the 
donations  had  been  held  back  by  the  Rev.  Coetus,  on  account  of 
his  bad  conduct,  made  a  request  for  his  portion,  pretending  to 
have  an  order  to  that  effect  from  the  Rev.  Synods,  but  as 
nothing  regarding  this  was  found  in  your  letters,  his  re- 
quest was  refused  until  he  could  show  an  order  from  the 
Rev.  Synods. 

7.  We  gather  with  sorrow  from  the  letters  of  the  Rev. 
Synods  and  Classis,  that  the  same  have  no  confidence  in  us, 
that  we  have  depicted  the  case  of  Do.  Steiner  in  words  too 
harsh.     We  trust  to  make  it  a  matter  of  conscience  always 


EECOBDS  OF  1760.  I93 

to  write  the  truth,  as  we  have  done  in  this  instance.  We 
would  much  rather  have  written  well  of  Do.  Steiner  than  ill. 
But  we  have  called  the  child  by  its  name.  We  gave  the 
case  as  it  presented  itself,  but  overlooked  many  particulars, 
and  wrote  in  such  a  way  that  those  who  had  but  the  least 
knowledge  of  all  the  circumstances  would  be  compelled  to 
say  and  admit  that  we  had  written  very  indulgently.  If  our 
congregations  should  speak  their  minds  in  many  particulars, 
they  would  express  themselves  very  differently.  And  indeed, 
Rev.  Fathers,  on  account  of  Do.  Steiner,  many  of  our  mem- 
bers do  not  regard  us  with  much  favor. 

8.  Regarding  the  complaints  brought  against  Do.  Stoy  by 
reason  of  his  marriage,  nothing  in  the  way  of  scandal  has 
occurred.  This  we  must  say,  that  some  of  his  enemies  had 
spread  the  report  that  he  had  kidnapped  his  wife  at  night, 
which,  however,  by  those  who  themselves  spread  the  report, 
was  acknowledged  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  Coetus  to 
have  been  a  lying  and  malignant  accusation.  In  this  con- 
nection we  are  forced  to  remark  that  it  wiU  give  us  great 
sorrow  if  the  Rev.  Synods  are  of  the  opinion  that  we  were 
unfair,  and  only  sought,  without  well  founded  reasons,  to  sup- 
press one  complaining  of  him,  and  to  acquit  another  in  an 
evil  matter,  or  allow  him  to  go  on  without  speaking  of  it. 
Moreover  we  must  add  to  this,  that  the  marriage  was  per- 
formed in  the  house  of  Do.  Stoy's  father-in-law,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  father,  mother,  and  Dos.  Otterbein,  Leydich  and 
Du  Bois.  None  of  them  noticed  anything  out  of  the  way. 
This  is  all  we  know.  If  the  Rev.  Synods  or  the  Rev.  Classis 
had  given  a  particular  account  of  the  charges,  we  would  be 
able  to  answer  them  more  in  detail.  We  can  say  nothing 
of  that  of  which  we  know  nothing. 

SESSION  n.      A.  M. 

1.  Regarding  the  donations  of  the  honorable  London  So- 
ciety, we  have  hitherto  received,  but  not  without  much  diffi- 
culty, what  we  have  reported  to  the  Rev.  Synods  and  the  Rev. 
Classis.  But  as  to  last  year,  after  two  or  three  applica- 
tions we  were  informed  [by  the  Trustees]  that  the  moneys 
sent  over  last  were  so  little  that  they  could  not  make  up 
13 


194  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

tlieir  minds  to  give  anytbing  this  year,  until  they  should  re- 
ceive word  from  the  honorable  Society  in  London.  It  is 
especially  hard  for  us,  that  what  we  receive  we  get  only  by 
begging. 

2.  Do.  Lischy  did  not  inform  us  of  the  friendly  letter 
written  to  him  by  the  Kev.  Synods  and  Rev.  Classis,  and  hence 
we  were  in  ignorance  of  it.  His  conduct  is  so  offensive  that 
we  can  hold  no  fellowship  with  him,  and  seems  to  grow  worse 
from  day  to  day  so  that  one  can  hope  for  no  good  from 
him  in  the  future. 

3.  We  recognize  with  gratitude  the  unwearied  care  of  our 
Rev.  Fathers  in  Holland  in  their  search  for  an  efficient  min- 
ister for  this  our  poor  America,  and  we  trust,  should  one  be 
sent  over,  that  he  may  be  appointed  by  the  Rev.  Synods  or 
Rev.  Classis  for  Amwell,  from  which  congregation  we  have 
a  call  in  hand,  as  we  have  already  mentioned. 

4.  A  congregation  at  Easton,  a  newly  settled  village,  about 
sixty  miles  from  Philadelphia  in  Pennsylvania,  has  sent  in  a 
request  for  a  suitable  pastor  and  preacher.  We  have  pro- 
mised to  make  out  a  call,  with  fifty  pounds  for  his  yearly 
support.  Hence  we  herewith  earnestly  once  more  request 
the  continuance  of  the  paternal  care  of  the  Rev.  Synods  and 
Classis  so  as  to  provide  these  shepherdless  sheep  as  soon  as 
possible  with  a  godly  minister. 

5.  The  report  of  the  condition  of  our  congregations,  accord- 
ing to  the  request  of  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Rev.  Classis,  has 
been  completed  and  sent  over,  and  we  doubt  not  but  that  it 
has  safely  arrived,  and  promise  to  comply  henceforth  with 
the  request  annually. 

G.  Regarding  the  ability  of  our  congregations  to  maintain 
and  pay  the  salaries  of  their  pastors,  they  have  been  much 
encumbered  by  the  very  heavy  expenses  incurred  in  the  erec- 
tion of  their  churches  and  schools.  Moreover  many  started 
with  nothing;  but  we  hope  that  after  these  burdens  shall 
grow  less  their  ability  will  increase,  and  will  suffice  for  that 
purpose,  [the  payment  of  salaries].  We  promise  to  do  what 
lies  in  our  power  to  come  up  to  the  request  of  the  Rev.  Synods. 

7.  The  draft,  whereof  mention  is  made,  has  not  j^et  reached 
us.     We,  with  our  congregations,  aclmowledge  gratefully  the 


EECOBDS  OF  1760.  I95 

tender  care  of  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Rev.  Classis  in  coming 
so  paternally  to  the  help  of  our  feeble  churches.  These  sev- 
eral items  of  the  first  and  second  sessions  have  been  approved 
by  us  and  the  elders  present. 

Concluding,  we  herewith  wish  that  the  gracious  wings  of 
the  Triune  God  may  enfold  your  reverend  persons,  families, 
churches  and  land  to  the  protection  of  all,  and  that  He  may 
overshadow  you  with  all  blessings.  We  have  the  honor  to 
subscribe  ourselves,  with  all  esteem. 

Very  Reverend  Sirs  and  Fathers  in  Christ, 

Your  obedient  and  faithful  servants  and  brethren,  in  the 
name  of  all, 

John  George  Alsentz,  p.  t.  Pres. 
Jonathan  Du  Bois,  p.  t.  Sec. 

Done  in  our  Coetal  Assembly  in  Germantown,  October  21 
and  22,  1760. 

P.  S.  In  the  congregation  of  Do.  Du  Bois  there  are  47 
families;  the  number  of  members  is  at  present  55.  Fifteen 
children  were  baptized  from  October,  1759  to  October,  1760, 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS,  HELD  IN  LANCASTER,  JUNE 
24  AND  25,  1761. 

(N.  B.,  No.  900;  Hague  92,  B.  43.) 

Herewith  we  have  again  the  honor  and  the  pleasure  to 
transmit,  according  to  our  duty,  the  Minutes  of  our  Coetus 
held  in  Lancaster,  June  24  and  25.  At  this  Coetus  Dos. 
Rieger,  Leydich,  Otterbein,  Waldschmidt,  Stoy,  and  Alsentz 
assembled  with  their  elders.  Do.  Du  Bois,  on  account  of 
sickness  (which  is  passing  through  the  whole  land  and  hardly 
missing  anyone,  whether  young  or  old,  attacking  them 
severely  with  fevers  and  serious  colds,  but  killing  few) ;  Do. 
Weiss,  on  account  of  infirmity;  and  Do.  Tempelman,  on 
account  of  the  loss  of  his  eyesight,  could  not  be  present. 

Coetus  was  opened  in  the  church  with  a  sermon  on  2  Corin- 
thians xiii.  13,  preached  by  Do.  Alsentz;  thereupon  our  ses- 
sion was  opened  in  the  afternoon  with  prayer. 

FIRST   SESSION. 

We  took  up,  first  of  all,  the  visitation  of  the  churches, 
made  by  Do.  Stoy,  in  which  he  found  the  following : 

1.  At  Germanto^vn  and  Witpen  no  complaint  was  heard, 
either  on  the  part  of  Do.  Alsentz,  or  on  that  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

2.  At  Falkner  Swamp  and  Providence  a  sweet  peace  exists 
between  Do.  Leydich  and  his  congregations. 

3.  At  Goshenhoppen  he  met  Do.  Weiss,  who,  on  account  of 
old  age  and  an  almost  constant  sickness,  cannot  accomplish 
as  much  as  he  gladly  would,  but  does  what  is  in  his  power, 
according  to  the  testimony  of  the  congregation. 

4.  At  Reading  they  need  a  pastor,  but  to  provide  them  with 
one  is  veiy  hard  and  almost  impossible.  .,  Some,  indeed,  desire 
to  make  out  a  call,  l)ut  other  members  are  not  yet  ready  to 
vote  for  that.  And  thus  we  must  continue  the  former 
arrangement,  to  supply  the  congregation  meanwhile  by  one 
or  another  member  of  the  Coetus,  till  some  one  else  can  be 
found. 

(19G) 


EECOEDS  OF  1761.  I97 

5.  Cocalico  and  White  Oaks  are  also  still  tolerably  well 
satisfied  with  Do.  "Waldschmidt. 

6.  Seltenreich  and  Schaeffer's  church  are  also  still  pleased 
with  the  services  of  Do.  Rieger. 

7.  Do.  Dn  Bois  and  his  congregation  were  ^dsited  by  Do. 
Alsentz,  and  both  found  to  be  in  a  pleasing  state. 

8.  No  complaints  were  heard  in  the  Coetus  from  Frederick 
and  Lancaster. 

Thereupon  a  delegate  from  the  congregation  at  Tulpe- 
hocken  appeared,  vrho  requested  that  Do.  Stoy  might  occa- 
sionally supply  them,  w^hich  was  granted. 

Again  another  delegate  from  the  congregation  on  the  Little 
Swatara  appeared  mth  a  letter  from  that  congregation,  re- 
questing that  a  minister  might  be  provided  for  them,  as  they 
wanted  none  other  than  one  from  the  Coetus.  Do.  Stoy  took  it 
upon  himself  to  visit  this  congregation  also,  to  preach  for 
them  and  to  get  better  acquainted  with  their  circumstances. 

A  third  delegate  came  from  Reading,  with  a  request  from 
the  congregation  there,  and  the  congregation  at  Oley,  that 
they  might  have  Do.  Otterbein  for  their  pastor.  Whereupon 
Brother  Otterbein  declared  that  he  could  not  possibly  leave 
Frederick,  T\dthout  sufficient  reason,  and  accept  other  con- 
gregations. 

SESSION   n.      JUNE   25,   A.    M. 

A  short  letter  was  read  from  the  Do.  Verster,  President  of 
the  Rev.  Deputies  of  the  South  and  North  Holland  Synods, 
dated  December  8,  1760,  and  received  May  6,  1761.  And  as 
the  contents  served  as  an  accompaniment  to  the  draft  which 
had  long  been  expected,  our  hearts  were  united  in  expressing 
our  cordial  gratitude  due  for  your  loving  and  fatherly  care 
and  support  (which  are  still  so  necessary  if  we  are  not  to  fail 
in  our  ministry),  and  we  were  ready  to  accept  them  with 
humble  hearts  and  hands,  to  estimate  and  praise  their  value 
with  cordial  recognition,  and  to  cause  our  most  fervent  sighs 
and  prayers  to  rise  to  the  Eternal  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  for  your  revv^ard  and  the  outpouring  of  His  heavenly 
blessing  upon  your  reverend  persons,  families,  churches,  and 
country. 


198  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

But  we  have  to  give  expression  to  our  surprise*  that  no  reply 
has  as  yet  been  received  to  our  Minutes  of  the  month  of  June, 
1760,  and  October,  1760,  and  as  we  cannot  doubt  that  they 
arrived  safely,  we  are  anxious  about  the  reply.  The  last 
draft,  preceding  the  present  one,  was  dated  June  1,  1759,  and 
this  present  one  December  8,  1760.  There  was  also  a  letter 
from  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  SjTiods,  dated  May  5,  1760,  and 
received  in  the  month  of  September  (of  the  same  year)  ;  and 
as  we  replied  to  that  immediately,  we  are  very  desirous  of 
receiving  an  answer. 

AVe  now  find  it  necessary  to  say  something  about  the  dona- 
tions from  the  honorable  London  Society.  On  June  16,  1756, 
they  were  received  for  the  first  time,  and  it  was  stated  at  that 
time  that  on  the  first  day  of  July,  of  the  same  year,  another 
year  should  begin.  After  that  we  received  these  donations 
three  times.  Consequently,  at  the  beginning  of  July  [of  this 
year]  they  are  two  years  behindhand.  AVe  have  made  appli- 
cation several  times,  but  could  obtain  no  reply.  A  few  days 
ago  hope  was  given  to  Do.  Alsentz  that  they  would  still  be 
continued  for  one  year;  but  for  the  two  years  now  nearly 
completed  we  have  as  yet  received  nothing.  Hence,  we 
shall  address  ourselves  once  more  to  the  Trustees  of  the 
Society,  and  shall  be  able  to  communicate  the  result  in  our 
next  letter.  Regarding  the  free  schools,  we  can  hardly  say 
anything,  because  the  entire  matter  has  been  taken  out  of  our 
hands.  In  general,  we  can  say  that  there  are  still  three 
schools  of  which  we  know;  two  of  them  are  all  English  and 
one  half  German. 

The  state  of  our  churches  is  as  follows : 

At  Lancaster  there  are  about  100  families.  Sixty-two  chil- 
dren were  baptized  in  the  congregation  from  May,  1760,  up 
to  this  date  in  1761.  Two  heads  of  families  have  died.  Two 
families  formerly  connected  with  the  congregation  have  re- 
turned, being  received  from  the  Moravians  with  whom  they 
had  united.      After  instruction,  24  persons  were  admitted 

*  The  other  copy  reads :  *  *  We  must  give  expression  to  our  surprise 
that  for  so  long  no  letter  has  been  received  from  the  Rev.  Classis.  The 
last  letter  was  dated  May  12,  1760." 


EECOEDS  OF  1761.  19  9 

as  members  at  Pentecost  of  1761.  There  are  about  160  mem- 
bers altogether.     The  school  has  an  attendance  of  70  children. 

Up  to  this  time  Do.  Otterbein  has  found  about  80  members 
in  Frederick  and  baptized  40  children.  The  school  is  at- 
tended by  40  children. 

At  Cocalico  and  White  Oaks,  Do.  Waldschmidt  has  50  fam- 
ilies and  131  members.  In'  1761,  after  instruction,  he  re- 
ceived as  members  11  persons ;  20  children  were  baptized.  In 
the  one  church  25  children  attend  school. 

At  Germantotvn  and  Witpen,  Do.  Alsentz  has  190  mem- 
bers. After  instruction,  he  received  as  members  at  Easter, 
1761,  27  persons.  He  baptized  in  both  congregations,  from 
June,  1760,  to  June,  1761,  93  children  and  4  adults.  In 
the  vicinity  around  Germantown  are  six  schools,  three  Ger- 
man and  three  English,  but  how  many  attend  school  he  can- 
not very  well  determine.  This  much  he  discovered  in  aU 
families  that,  since  three  years,  the  children  are  encouraged  to 
study.  This  also  appears  from  the  fact  that  the  inhabitants 
of  Germantown,  of  all  sects,  and  a  few  from  Philadelphia, 
have  combined  and  built  an  English  and  German  school.  It 
was  commenced,  in  the  center  of  Germantown,  last  year,  and 
is  now  finished,  which  school  has  cost  over  11,000  fiorins 
(guilders).  The  German  schoolmaster  has  begun  to  teach 
there,  and  has  between  60  and  70  children.  And  besides  this 
school  there  are  four  other  schools. 

The  statistics  of  the  congregations  of  Dos.  Leydich,  Weiss, 
Rieger,  and  Du  Bois  will  be  sent  later. 

Finally,  we  remark  that  our  harvest  is  much  too  great,  and 
the  laborers  are  too  few.  But  we  cannot  as  yet  clearly  see 
how  this  difficulty  can  best  be  met,  either  by  the  Rev.  Synods 
or  by  us.  For  although  there  is  a  lack  of  ministers,  yet  not 
every  one  is  suitable  for  this  work.  We  shall  consider  the 
matter  more  fully  and  give  the  result  in  our  next  letter. 

These  Minutes  of  the  first  and  second  sessions  have  been 
approved  by  us  all.  Concluding,  we  herewith  msh  that  the 
Lord  may  preserve  your  reverend  persons,  families,  churches, 
and  entire  Holland,  by  His  gracious  protection,  quicken  you 
with  all  bodily  and  spiritual  blessings  in  Christ  Jesus,  and 
turn  your  favorable  and  compassionate  hearts   further  to- 


200  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

wards  our  Pennsylvania  Zion.      We  remain  and  subscribe 
ourselves,  with  all  esteem, 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned,  and  Highly  Esteemed  Sirs, 
Members  of  the  South  and  North  Synods, 

Your  very  faithful  and  obedient  servants  and  brethren  in 
our  Lord  Jesus,  by  order  and  in  name  of  all, 

John  George  Alsentz,  Pres.  p.  t. 

Done  in  our  Coetus,  held  in  Lancaster,  June  24  and  25, 
1761. 

Having  read,  these  Acts,  they  are  approved  by  my  own 
signature,  Jonathan  Du  Bois. 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    THE    DONATIONS    SENT    OVER 

TO  US,  1760-1761. 

(N.  B.,  No.  909.) 

£       8.     d. 

Do.  Leydieh 30 

' '    Otterbein 30 

' '    Stoy 30 

"    Waldschmidt 30 

'*    Weiss 30 

"   Alsentz  30 

"   Eieger  27 

' '   Du  Bois 20 

' '   Tempelman    5 

Widows  Muentz  and  Dorsius 10 

For  the  support  of  Do.  Bartholomeus 30 

For  the  school-teachers,  seven  in  number 14* 

Traveling  expenses  to  two  Coetus  meetings 27     15 

313     15 
There  remains  of  the  £337  17s.  lOd 24      2     10 


337     17     10 


*  The  original  reads  £14.10,  but  this  must  be  wrong,  as  the  ten  shill- 
ings are  not  included  in  the  sum  total. 


BECOBDS  OF  1761.  201 

We  add  the  statistics  of  the  congregations  of  the  remaining  bretjjren: 

Do.  Leydich  has  now  in  his  congregations  105  families.  He  has  bap- 
tized 38  children;  received  as  members  29  persons,  counting  the  year 
1760  to  July  5,  1761.  There  are  170  members;  60  children  attend  the 
schools. 

Do.  Weiss  has  120  families.  He  has  baptized,  during  1760  and  up  to 
the  present  time,  45  children  and  received  36  as  members. 

Do.  Eieger  has  about  forty  families  in  his  congregations.  He  bap- 
tized 21  children  and  received  two  as  members. 

The  state  of  Do.  Du  Bois's  churches  has  not  changed  since  the  last 
Minutes  were  sent  over.  He  complains,  with  great  sorrow,  that  his  con- 
gregation will  completely  decline  for  lack  of  a  Low  Dutch  school.  He 
has  applied  all  his  efforts  and  labors  in  vain,  which  can  easily  be  shown. 


REPORT  OF  DO.  ALSENTZ  REGARDING  THE  STATE 
OF  THE  PENNSYLVANIA  CIIURCnES,  1761. 

(N.  B.,  No.  90914.) 

Faithful  presentation  of  some  circumstances  of  the  Reformed  Church 
in  Pennsylvania. 

The  principal  congregations  in  Pennsylvania  are  the  following: 

Philadelphia  should  be  first,  but  by  reason  of  the  rejection   of  all 
order,  is  left  to  itself  until  better  times. 

Lancaster,  and  two  small  congregations  belonging  thereto,  are  served 
by  Do.  Stoy. 

Frederick  is  served  by  Do.  Otterbein. 

Cocalico  and  White  Oaks,  by  Do.  Waldschmidt. 

Seltenreich  and  Schaeffer's  Church,  by  Do.  Rieger. 

Falkner  Swamp  and  Providence,  by  Do.  Leydich. 

Goshenhoppen,  by  Do.  Weiss,  but  he  is  constantly  sick. 

North  and  Southampton,  by  Do.  Du  Bois. 

Germantown  and  Witpen,  by  Do.  Alsentz. 

The  congregations  of  Tulpehocken  and  Swatara  earnestly  long  for  a 
pastor;  Reading  and  Oley  also. 

York  likewise,  because  Do.  Lischy  has  taken  his  leave. 

Easton,  ditto. 

Amwell,  in  New  Jersey,  ditto. 

It  is  almost  impossible  to  convey  any  idea  with  how  much  diJficulty 
all  these  congi-egations  are  maintained.  Everything,  so  to  speak,  has 
been  started  anew,  and  without  hard  labor  not  one  congregation  can  be 
built  up.  With  faith,  love,  hope,  zeal,  patience,  and  readiness  to  serve 
in  preaching,  catechizing,  and  family  visitation,  by  constant  riding 
about  (because  the  people  are  so  scattered),  we  must  carry  on  the  work. 
We  have  to  suffer  listening  to  reproaches  on  account  of  many  ministers 
who  run  about,  being  bad  in  doctrine  and  life.  We  have  to  suffer  from 
mockings;  from  many  sectaries;  from  waiting  for  the  approbation  of 
many  misled  souls,  who  say  of  a  minister  that  begins  well,  we  shall  see 
whether  he  will  continue  thus  in  his  work.  And  although  all  congrega- 
tions either  request  or  invite  us  to  serve  them,  it  is  impossible  for  the 
few  ministers  to  satisfy  their  own  consciences  and  fulfil  the  purpose  of 
their  ministry.  But  now  there  is  the  greatest  likelihood  that  every- 
thing will  be  shortly  in  a  condition  to  repay  the  diligence  of  faithful 
pastors.  Harmony  in  the  congregations  and  among  ministers  is  now  re- 
stored, and  a  great  readiness  [for  united  work]  is  manifest  in  very  many 
people.  Wliat  other  conclusion  can  there  be  but  that  the  hearts  of  the 
Rev.  Synods  and  Rev.  Classis,  of  Amsterdam,  should  be  moved,  on  behalf 
of  God   and   these   churches,   to   provide   these  vacant  places  Avith   very 

(202)   " 


BE  COEDS  OF  1761.  203 

faithful  ministers?     As  indispensable  as  ministers  are,  so  impossible  is  it 
that  they  can  live  on  their  incomes,  for  the  following  reasons : 

1.  Most  of  the  churches  wherein  the  people  assemble  are  not  yet  even 
paid  for,  and  will  not  be  paid  for  in  less  than  three  or  four  years. 

2.  Most  of  the  members  or  families  are  poor,  or  but  in  moderate  cir- 
cumstances. Very  few  are  well-to-do.  Many  of  the  poor  sigh;  many  of 
them  would  gladly  give  if  they  only  could.  Many  in  moderate  circum- 
stances also  have  large  families,  and  the  schools  to  which  they  send 
their  children  are  very  expensive.  Many  schools  are  being  erected,  and 
thus  take  much  from  the    contributions. 

3.  Many  people  become  confused  by  the  many  sects,  and  do  not  know 
as  yet  what  churches  they  will  attend.  And  if  they  come  to  church,  they 
are  not  at  once  willing  to  give  anything  for  the  support  of  a  minister, 
because  they  want  to  see  first  whether  the  minister,  though  beginning 
his  labors  well,  shall  so  continue. 

4.  Many  families  are  partly  Eeformed  and  partly  Lutheran.  From 
such  not  much  can  be  expected,  because  their  contributions  are  divided 
between  two  pastors. 

5.  The  war  made  everything  expensive,  especially  in  the  cities,  so  that 
a  minister  can  no  longer  live  as  heretofore. 

All  that  I  can  say  is  that  matters  are  improving  from  year  to  year, 
and  I  hope  in  a  few  years  to  see  that  the  donations  from  Holland, 
through  the  Eev.  Synods  and  the  Eev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  shall  no 
longer  be  so  indispensable.  At  least,  the  ample  donations  could  then  be 
lessened.  For  if  the  ministers  of  Pennsylvania  are  not  sustained  as 
they  have  been,  it  cannot  be  expected  that  they  can  persevere.  But  if 
we  can  continue  by  means  of  faithful  ministers,  no  doubt  within  the 
said  three  or  four  or  five  years  the  condition  will  promise  more  blessing 
and  self-support. 

I  must  yet  mention  another  congregation  at  Camp,  and  a  second  at 
Ehinebeck,  in  New  Netherland,  or  the  province  of  New  York.  These 
two  united  congregations  greatly  desire  a  minister,  and  are  also  in  good 
condition  to  support  a  pastor.  They  are  ready  to  give  ninety  pounds 
and  a  free  residence,  and  also  to  bear  the  expenses  of  sending  a  minister 
over.  They  invited  me  two  years  ago  to  become  their  pastor.  But  be- 
cause I  am  in  a  locality  which  at  present  absolutely  needs  me,  I  have 
been  compelled  to  decline  the  wish  of  these  congregations  and  three 
other  calls.  But  if  it  is  possible  to  help  these  people  now,  by  the  inter- 
vention of  the  Eev.  Synods  and  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  I  shall  consider 
it  a  great  pleasure  to  do  so. 

John  George  Alsentz, 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1762. 

(Hague  92,  B.  52.) 

Actum, 

New  Hanover f  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  June  30tk  and 
following  days,  1762. 

Present:  Dos.  Du  Bois,  President;  Stapel,  Leydich,  Rieger, 
Stoy,  Otterbein,  Waldschmidt.  The  Reverend  Coetus,  called 
Pennsylvaniensis,  was  thus  constituted. 

The  Coetus  was  opened,  in  accordance  with  the  usual  cus- 
tom, with  prayer  by  the  President. 

1.  Simon  Friesbach,  a  delegated  elder  from  the  congrega- 
tion in  Easton,  submitted  a  petition  of  said  congregation  con- 
cerning a  minister.  (The  petition  is  annexed  to  the  Minutes, 
under  Num.  1.*)  The  Coetus  was  pleased  to  return  a  written 
answer  to  him,  in  which  the  congregation  was  notified  that 
this  matter  had  not  only  been  laid  before  the  proper  authori- 
ties, but  that  also  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  the  Synods  of  South 
and  North  Holland  had  considered  the  matter  and  had  called 
Do.  Weyberg  for  them.  Until  the  arrival  of  the  latter,  they 
shall  be  served  occasionally  by  the  brethren  of  the  Coetus. 

2.  An  elder  of  the  congregation  at  Providence  appeared 
before  the  Coetus,  and,  authorized  by  the  congregation,  an- 
swered the  question  concerning  Mr.  Leydich,  as  follows ;  That 
neither  he  nor  anyone  else  in  the  congregation  had  any  com- 
plaint concerning  Do.  Leydich.     He  was  then  dismissed. 

3.  An  elder  from  the  Schuylkill  congregation  appeared. 
Answer:  He  had  no  complaint  to  make  against  Brother  Ley- 
dich.    Dismissed. 

4.  An  elder  from  the  congregation  at  New  Hanover  ap- 
peared.    He  answered  the  same,  and  was  dismissed. 

5.  Three  elders  from  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen  and 
Great  Swamp  were  admitted  and  reported  that  these  three 
congregations   would   remain   inseparably   together.      Tliey 

*  This  document  is  no  longer  in  existence. 
(204) 


EECOBDS  OF  1762.  205 

then  urgently  asked  that  a  minister  of  Coetus  be  given  to 
them  in  place  of  their  faithful  pastor  Do.  Weiss,  now  de- 
ceased.* And  if  they  might  be  permitted  to  name  the  min- 
ister they  would  choose  Do.  Otterbein.  The  Rev.  Coetus 
took  this  under  consideration  and  promised  them  to  make 
known  the  answer  through  Do.  Leydich.  After  they  were 
dismissed  Do.  Otterbein  refused  their  request  because  of 
trifling  reasons. 

6.  Peter  Becker,  the  elder  of  the  congregation  at  Selten- 
reich,  was  introduced.  He  was  asked  whether  he  had  any- 
thing to  communicate.  Answer:  What  he  had  to  say  might 
be  seen  from  the  letter  of  the  congregation  which  sent  him  as 
delegate.  He  had  nothing  else  to  communicate.  He  was 
dismissed  and  this  request  was  marked:  Number  2. 

The  Rev.  Coetus  ordered  the  request  to  be  read  by  the 
Secretary,  and  because  it  showed  that  the  congregation  had 
split,  and  that  delegates  would  be  present  to  enter  com- 
plaints against  Do.  Rieger,  therefore,  it  was  asked:  Who  was 
present  to  complain  against  Mr.  Rieger? 

7.  Then  the  elders  from  the  congregation  at  Seltenreich, 
Michael  Dieffenderfer  and  John  Brubach,  entered  and  sub- 
mitted a  paper  (annexed  to  the  Minutes  under  number  3)*  * 
wherein  the  members  of  the  congregation,  whose  names 
were  signed,  charged  among  other  things,  that  Do.  Rieger, 
without  making  a  post-mortem  examination,  had  given  a 
false  certificate  in  the  case  of  a  man  who  was  struck  by  a 
stone  and  probably  died  from  the  effects. 

Inasmuch  as  there  were  several  names  of  members  of  the 
congregation  signed  to  the  paper  submitted  by  Peter  Becker, 
the  Rev.  Coetus  determined  to  begin  the  investigation  by 
requesting  elder  Michael  Dieffenderfer  to  examine  the  names 
of  the  members  signed  to  the  memorial.  He  recognized  five 
as  not  entitled  to  vote,  and  when  he  read  the  sixth,  Peter 
Eckert,  he  said,  that  the  latter  was  a  Roman  Catholic. 
Therefore  the  deception  was  evident.     Peter  Becker  admitted 

*  Eev.  George  M.  "Weiss  died  in  August,  1761,  see  letter  of  David 
Sehultze  to  Daniel  Bundle,  dated  February  3,  1776,  in  Norristown 
Eegister  of  March  6,  1883. 

*  *  Lost  as  the  other  documents  mentioned  in  the  Minutes.* 


206  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

this,  and  when  he  was  asked  to  examine  the  names  under 
Dieffenderfer's  memorial,  he  also  took  exception  to  six,  who, 
although  attending  the  Reformed  church,  yet  had  no  houses 
of  their  own. 

Thus  there  remained  under  Peter  Becker's  memorial  eleven, 
and  under  Michael  Dieffenderfer's  sixteen,  names  of  mem- 
bers entitled  to  vote.  Because  the  President  could  not  speak 
High-German,  Do.  Stapel  was  appointed  to  put  the  neces- 
sary questions  to  Do.  Rieger.  Do.  Stapel  gathered  more  in- 
formation from  said  elder  Dieffenderfer  concerning  the  de- 
tails of  this  affair,  after  Do.  Rieger  had  withdrawn. 

8.  Do.  Rieger  was  called  in: 

Quest.  1 :  AVhether  he  had  treated  the  man  who  was  felled 
from  his  horse  by  a  stone,  hurled  by  a  citizen  of  Lancaster? 

Rieger:  "Yes,  but  he  had  received  him  under  his  care 
very  late." 

Quest.  2 :  Whether  the  man  died  while  under  his  care  ? 
Rieger:  ''Yes." 

Quest.  3:  AVhether  the  throwing  of  the  stone  was  not  the 
cause  of  his  death? 

Rieger:  "It  might  be  that  it  was  the  original  cause,  but  in 
addition  to  it  the  man  had  gotten  a  fever  and  had  been  at 
one  time  better  than  at  another. ' ' 

Quest.  4:  Whether  he  could  swear  to  it  that  the  man  did 
not  die  from  the  throwing  of  the  stone,  but  only  from  the 
fever  ? 

Rieger:  "He  had  not  sworn  to  this,  nor  had  the  justice 
of  the  peace  required  such  an  oath." 

Quest.  5 :  Whether  he  had  made  an  autopsy  and  carefully 
investigated  that  no  internal  inflammation,  caused  by  the 
throwing  of  the  stone,  had  been  the  cause  of  the  fever  and 
thus  of  his  death? 

Rieger:  "No,  for  such  the  justice  had  not  required,  and 
the  man  had  lived  twelve  days." 

Quest.  6:  Whether  he  had  not  hesitated,  and  whether  he 
was  not  forced  to  blush,  first  that,  contrary  to  his  oath  as 
a  doctor  and  contrary  to  his  ministerial  conscience,  he  had 
in  such  a  doubtful  case  given  a  certificate  to  the  effect  that 
the  fever  only,  was  the  cause  of  his  death,  and  second  that 


BECOEDS  OF  1763.  207 

the  perpetrator,  who  was  rich,  had  not  even  been  brought  to 
trial.  Also,  what  he  thought  of  such  a  certificate,  in  which 
a  person  judges  of  a  thing  hidden  from  his  knowledge  ? 

Do.  Eieger  did  not  answer,  but  made  all  kinds  of  remarks 
which  did  not  affect  the  case,  or  improve  his  confession. 

SESSION  n. 

9.  Then  all  elders  who  were  present,  fifteen  in  number, 
were  summoned,  and  asked,  after  they  had  acquainted  them- 
selves with  Do.  Rieger's  case  from  his  own  confession,  what 
they  thought  of  it.  All  answered,  with  the  exception  of  Peter 
Becker,  who  was  silent,  that  it  was  to  the  congregations  and 
to  them  a  most  scandalous  thing.     They  were  then  dismissed. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  concurred  in  the  judgment  of  the 
elders.  Do.  Rieger  did  not  withdraw  when  the  elders  were 
asked,  but  was  now  required  to  withdraw  after  he  himself 
had  heard  their  sentiment,  and  after  having  indulged  in 
evasive  remarks  and  spiteful  words  of  his  own,  and  as- 
serted that  he  would  not  lay  down  his  ministerial  office 
as  long  as  he  lived,  that  this  he  had  determined  from  youth, 
etc.  Thereupon  the  Reverend  Coetus  deliberated  in  brotherly 
love,  and  resolved  to  consider  the  case  so  that  if  possible 
Do.  Rieger  should  accept  advice,  remain  in  honor,  and  the 
congregations  not  be  scandalized  any  more. 

The  deciding  reasons  were  then  compared  with  the  doubt- 
ful reasons. 

DECIDIN-G   REASONS. 

a.  Do.  Rieger  undoubtedly  acted  against  his  medical  oath 
and  his  ministerial  conscience  in  that  he  gave  in  such  a 
doubtful  affair,  (since  the  body  of  the  deceased  had  not  been 
duly  and  regularly  inspected,)  an  affirmative  attestation, 
whereby  the  perpetrator  was  allowed  to  go  free. 

b.  The  case  was  a  scandal  to  the  public  and  to  the  con- 
gregations. 

c.  The  paper  handed  in  by  Peter  Becker  was  suspicious. 

DOUBTFUL  REASONS. 

These  were  without  weight  as: 

a.  He  had  not  given  the  certificate  under  oath;  but  with- 


208  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

out  any  uew  oath  he  was  bound  to  observe  his  medical  oath 
and  ministerial  conscience. 

b.  The  justice  had  not  ordered  the  inspection  of  the  body; 
which  was  not  necessary,  for  the  doctor  should  have  done 
this  anyhow,  if  it  was  his  intention  to  give  a  certificate. 

c.  That  the  patient  died  of  fever  does  not  justify  the  certi- 
ficate, because  Rieger  had  not  been  able  to  say  clearly  whether 
it  was  a  fever  from  the  wound  and  inflammation,  or  other 
fever  which  had  no  connection  with  the  throwing  of  the  stone. 

d.  The  fact  that  twelve  days  elapsed  before  the  man  died 
does  not  influence  the  giving  of  such  certificate. 

e.  The  petition  of  some  members  of  the  congregation  can 
not  help  him,  because  it  is  suspicious,  and  others,  the  majority, 
protest  against  it. 

Do.  Stapel  therefore  formulated,  after  he  had  been  re- 
quested to  do  so,  the  following  ecclesiastical  counsel  on  this 
point,  with  the  approbation  of  Coetus: 

*' Numerous  complaints  have  been  presented  against  Do. 
Rieger  of  Lancaster.  Thus  far  they  have  been  disposed  of 
without  record  in  the  ]\Iinutes.  But  in  this  new  and  most 
scandalous  accusation,  substantiated  by  his  own  confession, 
the  Coetus  of  the  true  German  Reformed  ministers  finds  itself 
compelled  to  pass  a  resolution  to  the  effect,  that  they,  the 
members  of  Coetus,  on  account  of  the  illegal  certificate  given 
in  such  a  doubtful  case,  recognize  Doctor  *  Rieger  no  longer 
as  a  minister,  but  must  regard  him  as  a  man  who  acted 
very  indiscreetly  in  giving  this  certificate,  and  despising  all 
admonition.  Yet  out  of  usual  love  and  kindness,  and  in  the 
best  hope  that  Dr.  Rieger  ^vill  consider  his  own  honor,  they 
will  at  present  give  him  only  the  following 

ECCLESIASTICAL  COUNSEL: 

That,  because  the  time  of  his  agreement  witli  his  congrega- 
tion has  just  ended,  he  should  in  his  next  sermon  lay  doAvn 
his  office;  or,  if  he  should  not  do  this,  he  must  expect  pun- 
ishment and  that  his  case  and  whole  conduct  will  be  re- 

*  The  change  in  the  title  is  intentional.  He  is  treated  no  longer  as 

a  minister  but  merely  as  a  physician.     The  Fathers  in  Holland  were  not 

satisfied    with    this    summary    action,    see  Minutes    of    October,    1763, 
article  V. 


EECOBDS  OF  1762.  209 

ported  to  Holland  to  the  Eev.  Synods,  etc.,  and  perhaps 
severer  regulations  may  result." 

Do.  Rieger  came  in  to  hear  his  sentence.  He  desired  to 
have  the  sentence  read  to  him  several  times.  The  Secretary 
informed  him,  for  the  third  time,  that  if  he  wanted  it 
he  might  have  a  copy  directly.  At  first  Do.  Rieger  was 
not  satisfied  wit];i  the  ecclesiastical  counsel,  and  in  order  to 
continue  the  case  in  the  old  way  and  to  prolong  it,  which 
clearly  appeared  from  his  remarks,  demanded  a  decisive 
sentence.  But  when  he  was  informed  that  he  could  obtain 
the  desired  sentence  without  a  further  investigation,  because 
his  own  confession  had  relieved  Coetus  from  a  further  in- 
vestigation, he  asked  that  the  case  be  reported  to  Holland, 
and  he  meanwhile  be  allowed  to  preach  to  those  who  signed 
their  names.  But  when  the  latter  request  could  not  bt: 
granted,  since  the  majority  of  the  congregation  did  not  de- 
sire him  any  longer,  and  the  time,  also,  agreed  upon  had 
expired,  he  had  no  more  desire  for  the  former  [the  final 
decision]  and  seemed  to  accept  our  ecclesiastical  counsel. 
He  asked  what  his  friend  Peter  Becker  would  sa}',  if  he 
should  hear  the  ecclesiastical  counsel. 

Peter  Becker  and  all  the  elders  of  all  the  Pennsylvania 
congregations  were  called  in  and  the  said  counsel  was  read 
again,  in  their  hearing.  Then  Peter  Becker  immediately 
turned  and  asked  that  the  congregation  should  not.  be  for- 
saken, but  cared  for  as  much  as  possible,  which  request  was 
granted.  The  elders  accepted  the  counsel  and  were  then 
dismissed. 

10.  The  elder  from  Germantown  then  came  forward,  and 
asked  that  the  brethren  of  the  Coetus,  in  the  absence  of 
pastor.  Do.  Alsentz,*  would  preach  from  time  to  time.  This 
was  granted,  and  Do.  Stapel  was  requested  to  be  the  first 
to  preach. 

11.  The  elder  Christopher  van  Asdalen,  from  the  con- 
gregation of  Little  Neshaminy  [Kleine  Chemni]  had  no 
complaints  against  Do.  Du  Bois.     He  was  dismissed. 

*  Alsentz  had  gone  to  Europe.     He  appeared  before  the  Classis  of 
Amsterdam    on    February    4,    1762.     He    returned    to    Germantown    in 
October,  1762,  see  Minutes  of  May  4-5,  1763,  article  9. 
14 


210  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

12.  Finally,  the  letter  from  Do.  De  Roehrs  of  Gouda,  dated 
August  25,  1761,  was  read  with  due  reverence,  and  the  money 
sent  from  Holland,  two  hundred  and  seventy-eight  pounds, 
eleven  shillings  and  three  pence,  Pennsylvania  currency,  was 
received  with  a  grateful  heart  and  distributed  as  follows: 

£.      s. 

Du   Bois 30 

Alsentz 30 

Leydich 30 

Waldschmddt 30 

Otterbein 30 

Stoy  .., 30 

Rieger 15 

Stapel 30    ' 

Do.  Leydich  also  received  for  two  schoolmasters, ...       4 

' '    Waldschmidt  for  the  school  at  Reading 3 

*'    Stoy  for  the  schoolmaster  at  Lancaster 5 

The  schoolmaster  Meekly  at  Canowaken  [Cone- 

wago] , 8 

The  widow  Dorsius  in  Philadelphia 8 

''    Leydich  for  the  widow  of  Do.  Weiss  at  Goshen- 

hoppen 10 

"    Stapel  for  the  widow  of  Do.  Muentz  in  Phila- 
delphia         6 

* '    Bartholomaeus 25 

' '    Leydich  in  hand  for  Do.  Bartholomaeus 15 

To  the  Coetus,  journey  and  expenses  at  Coetus      3     15 
Traveling  expenses  for  each   minister   present 

Coetus,  (1£  for  each) 7 

Traveling  expenses  for  the  elder  from  Easton 15 

The  elder  Dieffenderf er  's  traveling  expenses 15 

Total  of  all  expenses 321       5 

Note:   The   sum   noted   here,   exceeding   the   278   pounds, 

11  shillings,  3  pence  received  from  Holland,  was  paid  by  Do. 

Stoy  from  the  money  in  the  treasury.     He  has  also  a  small 

balance  in  his  hands,  and  will  give  an  account  of  it. 

Finally,  it  was  resolved  that  in  the  fifth  week  after  Easter, 

1763,  on  Thui^day,  God  willing,  the  annual  Coetus  shall  be 


EECORDS  OF  1762.  211 

held  in  Germantown.  The  sermon  shall  be  preached  by  Do. 
Stapel.  The  Brethren  shall  be  present  in  the  evening  under 
penalty  of  one  pound  for  absence, 

Which  is  attested  in  the  name  of  Coetus, 

Caspar  Michael  Stapel,  Secretary  p.  t. 
Note :  Because  the  Brethren  have  not  handed  in  the  reports 
concerning  their  congregations,  they  were  reminded  that  they 
should  send  them  as  soon  as  possible,  in  order  to  transmit 
them  in  the  original. 


COETAL  LETTER  OP  OCTOBER  27,  1762. 

(Hague  92,  B.  53.) 

Most  Reverend,  Most  Learned  Sirs  and  Fathers: 

Your  Eeverences  will  be  pleased  to  receive,  as  enclosed,  the  Minutes  of 
the  Eev.  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  held  on  June  30,  17G2,  and  following 
days.  They  would  have  been  sent  by  the  Secretary  long  ago  if  he  had 
been  properly  informed,  as  he  is  now.  He,  therefore,  asks  you  kindly 
to  excuse  his  unintentional  error. 

But  the  two  letters— that  of  April  6th,  17G1,  the  copy  of  which  was 
brought  over  by  Do.  Alsentz,  and  that  of  February  5th,  of  this  year- 
were  only  lately  received,  after  the  Coetus  had  been  held.  For  this 
reason  Do.  Du  Bois,  the  President,  in  consideration  of  the  prevailing 
circumstances  and  the  season  of  the  year,  called  a  committee  to  German- 
town,  whereupon  he,  the  Secretary,  and  Dos.  Leydich  and  Alsentz  came 
together,  and  on  the  27th  of  October  wrote  the  following  answer: 

Since  the  letter  of  the  6th  of  April  differs  only  in  the  one  point  con- 
cerning Do.  Lischy,  we  have  to  report  that  Do.  Lischy,  by  resigning  his 
office,  has  himself  removed  all  difficulties. 

To  the  letter  of  February  4th,  of  the  current  year,  we  respond: 

Ad  1.  That  we  are  very  glad  that  you  were  pleased  with  our  Coetal 
Minutes. 

Ad  2.  Concerning  the  visitations  of  the  congregations:  they  shall  be 
made  as  often  as  possible,  although  it  cannot  be  done  annually  on 
account  of  the  great  distances  and  the  small  number  of  ministers. 

Ad  3.  The  congregation  of  Little  Swatara  has  elected  an  adventurer 
as  its  minister.* 

Ad  4.  With  regard  to  the  charitable  gifts  of  the  London  Society,  we 
have  less  hope  than  our  Eev.  Fathers  themselves.     In  the  meantime,  we 

*  The  church  records  show  that  this  adventurer  was  Frederick  Cas- 
imir  Mueller. 


212  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

duly  thank  you   for  your   paternal  care   and   exertion,   wishing   that   a 
different  source  might  be  opened  for  us. 

Ad  5.  We  are  sorry  that  the  five  other  Classes  seem  to  have  become 
cold  in  their  love  awalcened  by  God  and  are,  for  the  time  being,  un- 
sympathetic. But  we  hope  to  God  that,  by  consulting  the  Kcv.  Classis 
of  the  South  Holland  Synod  and  by  brotherly  remonstrance,  the  cher- 
ished hope  of  our  Fathers  may  be  realized  for  our  welfare. 

Ad  6.  Do.  Stapel  has  been  received  in  a  very  brotherly  spirit.  Of  the 
arrival  of  the  other  minister  [Weyberg],  we  have  not  yet  heard  anything. 
We  regret  that  he  stays  away,  for  the  obstacles  which  are  considered  in- 
significant in  Holland  are  considered  very  great  by  our  people.  We  are 
therefore,  discouraged,  however  much  we  are  pleased  with  the  safe 
arrival  of  Do.  Alsentz. 

Ad  7.  We  are  very  much  obliged  for  your  very  fatherly  care,  and  we 
shall  not  fail,  aside  from  the  enclosed  letter  of  thanks  to  the  honorable 
Pensionary,  to  pray  for  the  prosperity  of  the  States  of  Holland,  since 
they  will  be  so  kind  as  to  support  us  for  two  more  years,  with  1000  fl.  a 
year.  And  after  this  we  shall  use  all  exertions  (of  which  Dos.  Du  Bois 
and  Stapel  have  already  made  a  beginning,  and  for  which  we  hope  a 
good  result)  to  make  the  congregations  willing  to  seek  means  that  a 
minister  may  live  after  this  without  aid.  Although  we  see  that  not 
all  congregations  can  do  this. 

It  is  this,  which  we  have  the  honor  to  report  for  the  present.  We 
commend  our  Fathers,  the  Synods,  Deputies  and  Classes  to  the  gracious 
protection  of  the  Most  High,  and  ourselves  to  your  further  love,  etc. 

In  the  name  of  the  Eev.  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  written  and  sub- 
scribed by  Caspar  Michael  Stapel, 

p.  t.  Sec.  Coetus  Pennsylvaniensis. 


MINUTES   OF   COETUS,   HELD   IN   GERMANTOWN, 
MAY  5  AND  6,  1763. 

(N.  B.,  No  928.) 
Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned,  mid  Highly  Esteemed  Sirs 

and  Fathers  in  Christ  : 

Herewith  we  have  again  the  honor  and  the  pleasure  of 
transmitting  to  your  Reverences  the  Minutes  of  our  Coetus 
held  in  GermantoA^oi,  May  5  and  6,  1763. 

At  this  Coetus,  there  were  present:  Dos.  Stapel  (President), 
Alsentz  (Secretary),  Leydich,  Du  Bois,  Waldschmidt  and 
Weyberg;  Do.  Otterbein  had  asked  to  be  excused  on  account 
of  the  great  distance  of  his  charge,  and  his  many,  yes,  all 
too  many,  duties.  Our  Coetus  was  opened  in  the  forenoon 
with  a  sermon  by  Do.  Stapel  on  2  Timothy  iv.  2,  3. 

SESSION  I. 

Article  1. 
After  humble  supplication  by  the  President  to  the  Highest 
and  Triune  God,  for  light  and  aid,  the  object  of  our  meeting 
was  presented.  The  question  was  then  put  to  pastors  and 
elders  regarding  the  state  of  our  churches.  This  was 
answered  by  all  that  love  and  peace  prevailed,  so  far 
as  it  was  possible  under  the  circumstances  of  these  times. 
The  Lord  be  praised  for  this  blessing.  Further,  we  sub- 
mitted the  letters  of  the  Rev.  Synods,  dated  April  14,  1762, 
and  of  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  to  our  elders,  in  order  to 
ascertain  whether  in  case  the  donations  should  now  cease, 
satisfaction  could  be  given  in  the  matter  of  our  support. 
The  President  and  his  elder  answered  in  the  affirmative. 
He  and  his  congregation  were  in  such  condition  that  he  could 
subsist.  Do.  Du  Bois  stated  the  same.  Do.  Leydich  declared 
that  he  received  no  more  than  52  pounds  Pennsylvania  cur- 
rency; he  could  not  increase  the  figure,  but  if  he  must  live 
upon  this  he  would  direct  and  accommodate  himself  ac- 
cordingly. Do.  Weyberg 's  congregation,  newly  organized,  com- 
plained that  it  would  be  difficult  for  them;  but  for  the  sake 

(213) 


::[i  coETCs  of  F2:nnsylvania. 

of  having  a  pastor  they  would  do  all  in  their  power  to  sus- 
tain him.  But  they  need  encouragement.  Do.  Waldschmidt 
does  not  receive  quite  60  pounds,  and  cannot  get  beyond  that. 
Do.  Alsentz  prefers  suffering  to  complaininpr,  for  his  con- 
gregation and  means  of  support  are  the  smallest.  Many  of 
his  members  have  need  of  pecuniary  aid  themselves,  and 
have  nothing  or  but  little  to  give.  The  place  [Germantown] 
is  a  very  expensive  one  to  live  in.  And  under  the  present 
condition  of  the  church  debt  he  could  not  expect  from 
the  three  congregations  more  than  56  pounds  Pennsylvania 
currency.  On  account  of  this  [small]  support  he  will  be 
compelled  to  change  his  residence  [charge],  although  he  is 
laboring  in  his  field  with  joy,  good  hope,  and  harmony. 
Regarding  Do.  Otterbein  we  can  say  nothing  in  his  absence. 

Article  2. 

Do.  Weyberg,  having  arrived  this  winter  from  his 
long  journey  with  a  call  from  the  Rev.  Synods,  we  read 
the  call  in  the  meeting.  He  and  his  elders  being  asked  if 
they  were  satisfied  ^\dth  each  other,  and  answering  in  the 
affirmative,  we  have  admitted  him  as  brother  under  certain 
conditions  not  openly  expressed.  It  was  recommended  to 
them  to  appear  again  with  his  call,  which  they  promised  to  do. 

Article  3. 

Two  elders  from  the  Reformed  congregation  in  Phila- 
delphia appeared  wdth  written  authority,  and  in  the  name 
of  the  other  four  elders,  and  six  deacons,  and  114  of  the 
principal  families,  expressing  regret  that  they  separated  from 
the  Rev.  Coetus  under  Do.  Steiner,  (who  died  almost  a  year 
ago),*  desired  now  to  be  received  again.  We  have  no  ob- 
jection, first  to  rescue  this  congregation,  which,  after  Do. 
Rothenbuhler  had  preached  there  about  half  a  year,  was 
brought  into  the  greatest  confusion  by  his  scandalous  con- 
duct; and  second  to  investigate  their  complaints  against  Do. 
Rothenbuhler. 

Article  4. 

Hereupon  Do.  Rothenbuhler  also  appeared  with  two  of  his 

*  Steiner  died  on  July  6,  17G2,  sec  appendix  to  his  sermons,  pub- 
lished b}'  his  widow  in   170.3, 


BECOBDS  OF  1763.  215 

duped  adherents,  who  are  a  feeble  party,  and  requested  to 
be  received  under  the  care  of  Coetus.  We  took  their  re- 
quest under  consideration. 

Article  5. 
A  delegated  elder  of  a  congregation  on  the  Lechaw 
[Lehigh]  requested  that  Coetus  would  persuade  Do.  "Weyberg 
also  to  supply  their  church.  Whereupon  Do.  Weyberg  de- 
clared that  he  had  already  three  churches,  and  hence  it  would 
be  very  difficult  to  serve  them  also  vnth.  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel.  But  he  would  gladly  do  what  was  reasonable, 
and  occasionally  preach  for  them. 

Article  6. 
A  letter  vvas  read  from  the  congregation  in  Lancaster,  made 
shepherdless  by  the  departure  of  Do.  Stoy,*  requesting  to  be 
supplied  by  the  brethren  of  this  Coetus,  until  ministers 
should  come  over,  for  the  speedy  arrival  of  whom  they  had 
good  expectation.  We  arranged  with  Do.  Waldschmidt,  and 
occasionally  ^dth  one  of  the  remaining  brethren,  to  conduct 
divine  services  for  them. 

Article  7. 

A  call  was  presented  to  us  by  the  three  congregations  in 
Weythall  [^liitehall  township]  and  Northampton  County, 
in  which  they  earnestly  desire  to  have  a  regular  pastor,  for 
whom  they  are  -^villing  according  to  their  ability  to  contribute 
fifty  pounds  Pennsylvania  currency  per  annum.  If  it  were 
possible  to  raise  this  sum  to  fifty  pounds  sterling,  we  would 
humbly  beg  your  Reverences  to  secure  a  pastor  for  them. 
But  as  this  sum  [fifty  pounds  Pennsylvania  currency]  is  too 
small  properly  to  support  an  honest  man,  we  dare  not  ven- 
ture to  do  so.  However,  should  the  Rev.  Fathers  know  of  a 
way  to  increase  that  sum,  the  increase  would  be  accepted  with 
cordial  gratitude. 

Article  8. 

We  inquired  whether  we  could  this  year  also  undertake  the 
visitation  of  the  churches.     But  we  found  that  because  of 

*  Stoy  went  to  Europe  in  1763  to  study  medicine. 


216  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

the  scarcity  of  ministers  and  the  increase  of  their  labors,  it 
could  not  well  be  done.    We  shall  see  what  we  can  do  next  year. 

Article  9. 

The  state  of  our  churches  is  as  follows : 

Do.  Stapel  reportec}  his  condition  in  the  previous  Minutes. 

Do.  Du  Bois's  members  and  families  have  not  been  in- 
creased ;  he  has  baptized  10  children ;  and  25  catechumens,  of 
whom  10  are  children,  are  now  under  his  instruction. 

Do.  Waldschmidt  has  50  families  in  two  congregations. 
From  the  year  1762  until  the  present  he  has  baptized  20  chil- 
dren, and  received  12  persons  as  members. 

Do.  Leydich  has  three  congregations :  at  Falkner  Swamp  54 
families,  at  Providence  22,  and  across  the  Schuylkill  34 ;  since 
the  year  1762  he  has  baptized  among  them  48  children,  and 
received  35  catechumens  into  membership. 

Do.  Alsentz  has  three  congregations:  One  located  in  and 
about  Germantown  of  about  100  families,  which  are  scat- 
tered over  the  space  of  a  German  square  mile ;  one  at  Witpen 
of  22,  and  one  at  Skippack  of  25  families.  From  the  month 
of  October,  1762  (for  that  was  the  time  when  he  returned  from 
Germany)  to  the  present  May,  he  has  baptized  33  children 
and  one  adult  person,  and  received  23  catechumens  as  mem- 
bers, to  whom  he  gave  instructions  nine  hours  per  week  for 
three  months. 

Do.  Otterbein  not  being  present,  his  report  will  be  sent  later. 

Do.  Weyberg  has  just  commenced,  therefore  he  can  not 
give  a  statement  until  next  year. 

SESSION  n. 

May  6th,  A.  M. 
After  the  opening  of  our  Coetus  with  fervent  prayer  for 
aid  and  blessing  from  God  Almighty,  the  Philadelphia  affair 
was  investigated.  AVe  found  that  the  behavior  of  Do.  Rothen- 
buhler  had  been  very  offensive  to  the  congregation,  scandal- 
izing to  every  decent  person,  and  a  disgrace  to  God's  church. 
He  had  accepted  a  call  from  the  elders  and  deacons  in  the 
presence  of  the  whole  congregation  of  Philadelphia,  in  which 
he  consented  that  they  might  dismiss  him  in  case  of  any 
quarrels  arising.     They  did  this,  for  many  reasons.     We  were 


BECOBDS  OF  1763.  217 

obliged  to  approve  of  this  dismissal,  as  the  reasons  were  well 
founded.  We  could  not  receive  Do.  Rothenbuhler  as  a  mem- 
ber of  Coetus,  the  more  so  as  his  conduct  at  Amsterdam  and 
New  York  was  known.  We  admonished  Do.  Rothenbuhler 
and  his  few  adherents,  in  all  charity,  not  to  make  the  recent 
division  any  worse,  and  we  promised  to  give  the  congregation 
all  the  assistance  we  could. 

We  extended  a  call  to  Do.  Otterbein,  which  is  now  under 
consideration.  In  this  connection  we  humbly  request  the 
Rev.  Classis  that  it  will  kindly  send  several  faithful  men, 
since  several  places  are  in  need  of  preachers.  If  Frederick, 
where  Do.  Otterbein  is  located,  becomes  vacant,  then  cer- 
tainly two  preachers  would  be  required  in  Maryland  for  in 
the  regions  of  Maryland  are  nine  strong  churches.  Do.  Otter- 
bein, in  the  last  three  years,  has  almost  worked  himself  to 
death.  Lancaster  is  vacant,  for  Do.  Stoy  has  declared  he  wiU 
not  preach  any  more.  Tulpehocken  is  vacant ;  Goshenhoppen 
also  since  the  decease  of  Do.  Weiss.  Thus  we  have  work 
enough  for  five  ministers.  These  places  are  able  and  AviUing 
to  support  ministers  without  the  donations.  If  the  land  lies 
waste,  thorns  will  spring  up.  We  implore  therefore,  that  of 
your  fatherly  love  and  good  care  you  will  help  us.  The  re- 
ward for  such  efforts  will  be  great  in  heaven. 

These  Minutes  were  approved  by  the  above-mentioned  min- 
isters, with  their  elders.  Concluding  we  herewith  recommend 
your  reverend  persons,  families,  and  churches  to  the  precious, 
and  gracious  protection  of  our  Lord  Jesus;  and  ourselves 
and  our  churches  to  your  charity,  care  and  prayers.  We 
remain  always,  with  all  esteem. 

Your  Reverences  ^  our  Highly  Esteemed  Sirs  and  Fathers 
in  Christ,  Most  humble  and  faithful  servants  and  brethren, 
by  order  and  in  the  name  of  all 

J.  George  Alsentz,  p.  t.  Sec. 

P.  S.  Before  there  was  opportunity  to  despatch  this  letter, 
a  letter  was  received  from  the  Rev.  Deputies  of  Synods,  dated 
February  26,  1763.  It  was  opened  in  the  presence  of  Do. 
Otterbein,  and  an  answer  to  it  ^vill  be  found  in  part  in  these 
Minutes,  Articles  1  and  9.  Leydich. 


RESOLUTIONS  OP  THE  GERMAN  REFORMED 

COETUS  ON  THE  CASE  OF  REV.  MR. 

ROTHENBUHLER. 

(Pennsylvania  Gazette,  June  23,  1763.    No.  1800.) 

Philadelphia,  June  18,  1763. 
To  the  Public: 

Whereas  several  reports  have  of  late  been  spread  about,  as  well  in  this 
city  as  everywhere  in  the  country,  concerning  the  German  Reformed 
Church,  Mr.  Frederick  Rothenbuehler,  and  the  present  elders  and  deacons 
of  the  same,  it  is  thought  fit  to  insert  in  the  public  Gazette  the  resolves 
of  the  German  Reformed  Coetus  in  Pennsylvania  concerning  this  affair, 
to  the  end  that  the  matter  now  in  question  may  appear  as  in  its  true 
light  and  every  impartial  reader  be  enabled  to  form  a  proper  judgment 
thereon,  which  we  hope  may  contribute  to  the  public  good  and  to  the 
preservation  of  truth  and  peace.  And  for  as  much  as  suit  has  been 
brought  against  the  said  Coetus,  the  further  declaration  which  the  same 
Coetus  shall  make  may  hereafter  be  communicated  to  the  public. 

In  the  Name  of  God. 
Deeply  concerned  as  we  are  about  the  troubles  and  disturbances  sub- 
sisting in  a  church  that  has  been  established  for  the  conquering  and 
bringing  up  the  souls  of  men  to  the  Great  Shepherd  Jesus,  we  cannot 
but  give  you  an  answer  to  your  unanimous  request,  hereby  expressing  to 
you  our  hearty  condolence  and  the  result  of  our  deliberations  upon  the 
occasion. 

I.  That  in  the  instrument  of  call,  it  is  plainly  expressed  that  the 
present  elders  are  acknowledged  to  be  the  lawful  elders,  and  that  the 
same  instrument  vras  held  to  be  valid  by  the  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion. That  the  members  of  the  congregation  having,  by  the  same  in- 
strument of  call,  invested  the  elders  with  the  whole  power  of  introducing 
and  dismissing  the  minister;  and  the  minister,  Mr.  Rothenbuehler,  hav- 
ing on  his  part  signed  the  same  instrument  of  call  as  a  lawful  instru- 
ment, and  accepted  thereof,  it  is  evident  and  without  contradiction  that 
the  resolve  of  the  elders  cannot  be  reversed,  neither  by  Mr.  Rothen- 
buehler nor  by  the  members  of  the  congregation;  consequently,  that  the 
instrument  of  his  dismission  is  valid  and  doth  not  admit  of  any 
exception. 

II.  The  said  elders  having,  in  open  church,  signified  to  the  congrega- 
tion their  desire  of  having  a  conference  with  them  upon  some  matters 
concerning  Mr.  Rothenbuehler,  and  ofe  the  then  next  following  day  sixty 
or  seventy  members  of  the  said  congregation  appearing,  and  Mr. 
Rothenbuehler,  in  the  presence  of  them,  did  behave  himself  so  indecently 
that  they  declared  him  to  be  unworthy  of  their  pulpit  and  church,  it  is 

(218) 


RECORDS  OF  1763.  219 

evident  that  the  rest  of  the  members  either  would  rest  satisfied  vAth  the 
determination  of  the  others,  or  that  they  did  not  care  to  trouble  them- 
selves about  the  church  or  the  church  minister.  So  that  those  persons 
who  did  appear  are  to  be  considered  as  the  pillars  of  the  church,  upon 
which  the  edifice  is  to  rest,  and  the  others  have  no  right  to  lay  claim  to 
the  church  or  to  make  disturbances  in  the  same,  but  are  now  to  be 
considered  as  coming  too  late  for  deliberation,  and,  being  blinded  by 
rebellious  principles  in  these  present  disturbances,  are  t)ecomlng  them- 
selves the  disturbers  and  the  disturbed,  who  in  this  respect  are  entitled 
to  our  compassion,  and,  in  our  brotherly  love,  are  forewarned  to  avoid 
greater  detriment  if  they  do  persist  in  their  resolutions. 

III.  Whereas,  Mr.  Eothenbuehler,  with  those  of  the  congregation  who 
intend  to  retain  him  as  their  minister,  have  desired  to  be  received  into 
our  Coetus,  we  do  hereby  declare  this  to  be  our  resolution,  that  as  Mr. 
Eothenbuehler  has  by  his  conduct,  as  well  in  Europe  as  in  New  York, 
deserved  censure  and  reproof,  for  which  reason  he  has  no  testimonies  to 
produce  from  the  Eev.  Synods  or  from  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
and  at  New  York  has  been  disabled  to  hold  an  office  in  the  church,  and 
ha^  of  late,  towards  his  congregation  at  Philadelphia,  and  towards  the 
brethren  of  the  Rev.  Coetus  in  general,  and  to  some  of  them  in  partic- 
ular, behaved  in  a  manner  contrary  to  all  the  rules  of  decency,  it  would 
be  a  great  reproach  for  us  to  receive  such  as  brethren  who  are  a  detriment 
and  disgrace  as  well  to  the  church  as  to  us.  Moreover,  Mr.  Stapel  and 
Mr.  Alsentz  have  been,  by  the  Deputies  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam, warned  not  to  be  in  com^munication  with  him;  and,  therefore,  as 
desirous  as  we  are  to  see  faithful  laborers  in  our  Pennsylvania  vineyard, 
and  to  be  in  brotherly  union  with  numbers  of  his  people,  in  order  to 
bring  the  harvest  of  the  Lord  to  its  perfection,  we  cannot  comply  with 
the  request  of  I\Ir.  Eothenbuehler  and  his  adherents. 

We  do  wish  our  Saviour  Jesus  may  heal  the  breaches  of  Zion  and  the 
decay  of  the  Church,  by  the  ministry  of  an  upright-hearted  man,  agree- 
able to  the  heart  of  the  Lord  (as,  at  your  desire,  we  shall  endeavor  to 
send  you  one,  and  in  the  meanwhile  we  will  provide  the  church  by  the 
ser-i-ice  of  our  brethren),  and  that  the  Lord  may  be  pleased,  by  His 
grace  and  spirit,  to  prepare  pastors  and  tea<;hers  that  His  Church,  being 
planted  in  faith,  may  bring  forth  the  fruits  thereof,  and  adorned  with 
the  same  may  appear  in  plenty  and  glory,  without  blemish,  to  His 
praise.     The  God  of  peace  be  with  you.     Amen. 

Done  at  our  meeting  in  Germantown,  May  6th,  1763. 
Sealed  with  the  seal  of  the  Coetus. 

Ministers.  Elders. 

C.  M.  Stapel,  President,  Christopher  Meng, 

J.  G.  Alsentz,  Cleric,  Adam  Teitz, 

John  Ph.  Leydich,  Jacob  Orndt, 

Jonathan  Du  Bois,  Joseph  Fenton, 

John  Waldschmidt,  Henry  Winter. 

Caspar  Dietrich  Weyberg. 


MINUTES   OF  SPECIAL  COETUS,  HELD   L\  PHILA- 
DELPHIA, OCTOBER  24,  1763. 

(Hague  92,  B.  65;  N.  B.,  No.  963.) 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned,  Highly  Esteemed  Sirs  and 

Fathers  in  Christ: 

The  happy  and  joyful  receipt  of  two  letters,  one  from  the 
Rev.  S^Tiods,  dated  February  26,  1763,  and  one  from  the 
Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  dated  May  19,  of  the  same  year, 
as  well  as  the  circumstances  of  the  congregation  in  Phila- 
delphia, required  a  special  committee  (meeting.)  It  con- 
sisted of  Dos.  Stapel  (President),  Du  Bois,  and  Alsentz 
(Secretary) ;  which  assembled  in  Philadelphia,  on  October 
24th  of  this  year,  and  we  herewith  have  the  honor  to  submit 
the  Minutes  of  the  same  with  becoming  humility  to  your 
Reverences. 

I.  After  we  had  ascertained  the  contents  of  the  letters, 
we  found  that  they  both  agreed  very  nearly  as  to  one  point, 
and  that  we  had  already  presented  the  matter  requested  in  the 
transmitted  Minutes.  Wliat  is  still  lacking  we  shall  satis- 
factorily supply  at  a  full  Coetus  meeting. 

II.  Hence  we  found  it  necessary  to  pay  attention  to  sev- 
eral particular  things,  namely,  to  express  our  complete  as- 
sent to  the  judgment  sent  over  regarding  Do.  Lischy,  know- 
ing from  experience  that  he  is  an  unfit  person,  and  neither 
can  nor  will  accomplish  much,  and  therefore  had  better  be 
left  to  his  own  devices. 

III.  The  trouble,  vainly  bestowed  by  your  Reverences  in  the 
matter  of  the  donations  of  the  London  Society,  demands  our 
gratitude,  although  it  causes  us  regret.  But  the  tender  con- 
cern for  us  does  not  permit  us  to  grieve,  and  with  gladness  do 
we  hereby  lay  before  your  Reverences  our  thanks ;  the  more  so 
as  we  discover  that  when  unkindness  is  about  to  suppress  one 
source  of  benevolence,  the  Lord,  through  your  unwearied 
efforts,  opens  another,  since  some  Classes  still  feel  inclined 
to  sustain  and  encourage  us,  to  whom,  we  request,  that  our 

(220) 


BECOEDS  OF  1763.  221 

acknowledgment  by  these  presents  may  be  transmitted;  and 
being  astonished  over  the  gracious  worldngs  of  God's  pro- 
vidence, we  enjoy  the  desire  of  our  hearts;  and  in  joyful 
thanksgiving  would  gladly  perform  our  duty. 

IV.  In  reply  to  the  matter  of  the  distribution  of  the  do- 
nations, we  need  to  remark  that  hitherto  it  was  found  most 
advisable,  for  the  important  purpose  of  avoiding  all  quarrel- 
ing, to  make  an  equal  division.  And  for  this  reason  an  equal 
portion  w^as  assigned  to  Do.  Stapel.  But  now  we  would  leave 
it  to  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to  effect 
the  distribution  yourselves  according  to  your  judgment.  In- 
deed we  humbly  beg  you  to  do  so  after  examining  the 
Minutes,  and  thus  remove  thereby  in  this  country  all  suspicion 
among  the  brethren,  and  the  envy  which  is  apt  to  lurk 
beneath  this. 

V.  The  complaints  concerning  the  treatment  of  Do.  Rieger 
pain  us  very  much.  We  were  as  ignorant  in  this  case  as 
your  Reverences,  until  his  guilt  appeared  clearly  in  the 
latest  complaints  against  him.  We  cannot  find  anything 
more  to  say  in  excuse  of  him,  than  that  by  medicine  and 
worldliness  he  has  been  so  captivated  that  preaching  and 
church-order  do  not  go  further  with  him  than  to  recite  a 
chaos  of  words  on  Sunday,  without  the  least  concern  how 
many  members  he  has,  or  what  is  the  blessing  and  benefit 
of  his  ministry  for  the  inward  and  outward  life  of  his  people, 
whereof  the  writer  of  this  was  an  eye-witness.  The  coun- 
sel of  Coetus  has  not  been  accepted  by  him,  but  he  con- 
tinues in  his  careless  ministry,  and  because  there  are  so 
few  of  us,  we  cannot  take  care  of  the  congregation,  but  we 
must  look  on  with  patience,  until  we  can  make  better  ar- 
rangements. 

VI.  In  order  to  save  the  congregation  in  Philadelphia,  we 
extended  a  call  to  Do.  Otterbein,  but  after  long  deliberation 
he  could  not  at  this  time  accept  the  call.  And  now  being 
most  seriously  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  and  to  quit  ourselves  of 
our  duty  in  this  affair,  we  have  consulted  with  the  elders  ajid 
deacons,  and  laid  these  three  propositions  before  them : 

1.  Whether  they  could  and  would  wait  until  Do.  Otter- 
bein, considering  the  circumstances  of  his  congregation,  could 


222  COETUS  OF  PICNNSYLVANIA. 

with  propriety  come  to  them,  which  might  perhaps  occur  in 
five  months. 

2.  Whether  they  would  choose  one  of  three  ministers  settled 
in  this  country,  namely,  Dos.  Leydich,  Waldschmidt  and 
Weyberg,  and  seek  to  secure  one  by  a  regular  call. 

3.  ^Vhether  they  would  extend  a  call  to  the  S^viss  minister 
at  Arnheim  [Holland]  and  let  him  come  over. 

The  second  proposition,  alone,  for  various  reasons,  met 
their  approval. 

Thereupon  the  congregation  was  called  together,  a  sermon 
and  earnest  admonition  addressed  to  them  by  the  Rev.  Presi- 
dent on  October  25th,  and  Do.  Weyberg  was  chosen  by  them 
as  pastor,  by  107  votes  more  than  were  received  by  the  two 
other  gentlemen. 

Do.  Weyberg  having  been  informed  of  this,  and  taking  the 
call  into  consideration,  accepted  it,  and  is  now  preaching 
there.  May  it  please  the  Lord  to  use  him  as  an  efficient  in- 
strument, to  save  many  souls  out  of  that  chaos,  to  open  their 
eyes,  that  they  may  be  converted  from  darkness  to  light,  and 
from  the  povv^er  of  the  devil  to  God,  to  receive  the  pardon 
of  sins,  etc. 

Concluding  we  herewith  sincerely  commend  to  your  con- 
tinued care  and  prayers  tliis  church,  and  all  the  congregations 
entrusted  to  our  care.  We  shall  never  be  unmindful  to  ful- 
fill, according  to  our  feeble  powers,  our  debt  of  esteem  and 
sincere  gratitude  before  God  and  men.  Even  as  also  by  these 
letters  we  desire  to  lay  down  our  hearts  as  pledges  of  our 
most  fervent  prayers  to  the  Lord  for  Holland's  and  your 
reverend  persons'  welfare,  in  thankful  acknowledgment  of  the 
donations  (we  will  not  say  the  last)  transmitted  to  and 
received  by  us. 

We  remain  ever 

Your  Reverences',  our  Very  Learned  Sirs,  and  Fathers  in 
Christ, 

Obedient  servants  and  unworthy  co-laborers  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  by  order  and  in  name  of  us  all 

J.  George  Alsentz,  p.  t.  Sec. 


MINUTES  OP  COETUS,  HELD  IN  PHILADELPHIA, 
MAY  2  AND  3,  1764. 

(Hague  92,  B.  71.) 
Reverend,   Very  Learned,   and  Highly  Esteemed   Sirs   and 

Fathers  in  Christ: 

"With,  the  most  appropriate  esteem  we  have  again  the  honor 
to  submit  to  your  Reverences  the  JMinutes  of  our  Coetus, 
held  in  Philadelphia,  May  2  and  3,  1764. 

At  present  there  are  assembled:  Dos.  J.  George  Alsentz, 
(President,)  Weyberg,  (Secretary,)  Otterbein,  Dia  Bois,  and 
Leydich,  with  their  elders.  Do.  Waldschmidt  was  absent,  for 
what  reason  did  not  appear;  Do.  Stapel  was  detained  by 
floods,  and  arrived  at  the  close  of  the  meeting. 

After  a  sermon  preached  in  the  church  on  the  morning  of 
May  2nd  by  the  Rev.  President,  on  Hebrews  xiii.  17,  first 
clause,  the  Coetus  was  opened  at  2  o'clock  P.  M.  with  prayer. 

SESSION  I. 

1.  The  letters  of  the  Rev.  SjTiods  v\'hich  had  arrived  safely, 
dated  ]\Iay  3,  1763,  and  of  the  Rev.  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
dated  October  25,  1763,  were  first  read. 

These  were  discussed  and  it  was  resolved  to  send  the  fol- 
lowing reply: 

a.  That  Do.  AYeyberg  was  not  only  received  very  cordially 
at  East  on,  but  for  the  most  urgent  reasons  was  again  re- 
moved to  Philadelphia,  which  caused  great  grief  to  the  con- 
gregation at  Easton.  But  there  was  no  other  way  out  of 
the  difficulty,  and  we  shall  use  our  efforts  to  provide  Easton 
as  soon  as  possible  with  another  minister. 

b.  Regarding  Goshenhoppen,  we  mention  that  it  is  provis- 
ionally supplied  with  preaching  with  another  minister,  until 
it  shall  be  in  a  better  condition  to  call  a  regular  pastor. 

c.  With  regard  to  Do.  Rieger  we  cannot  explain  everything. 
But  his  conduct  as  physician  and  minister  is  offensive  to  all 
who  know  him.  For  this  reason  it  has  caused  us  much  re- 
proach and  grief. 

(223) 


224'  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

And  whereas  we  have  cautioned  him  every  year,  during  the 
last  five  years  and  earnestly  requested  him,  to  walk  in  love 
and  prudence  and  not  to  be  so  unchristian  in  his  words  and 
deeds  towards  the  church,  church-order  and  his  brethren, 

And  whereas  he  has  given  no  ear  to  all  our  brotherly  ad- 
monitions, but  even  as  physician,  according  to  his  ovm  testi- 
mony, has  acted  against  his  conscience  and  has  given  public 
scandal, 

Therefore  we  are  compelled,  if  we  do  not  wish  to  lose  our 
influence,  to  leave  him  to  himself,  until  we  shall  see  how  pro- 
vidence treats  him  and  causes  him  to  repent.  He  still 
preaches,  but  his  two  small  congregations  are  in  a  sad  con- 
dition, as  Do.  Alsentz  learned  by  personal  examination  last 
year.     "We  do  not  Imow  at  present  how  to  help  him.* 

d.  Concerning  the  distribution  of  the  donations,  we  have 
given  the  particular  explanations  in  the  minutes  previously 
sent  over. 

e.  The  decision  on  Do.  Lischy  is  fully  in  accord  with  our 
wishes. 

f .  Church  visitation  has  not  been  abandoned,  but  this  sum- 
mer everything  possible  will  be  done. 

The  vacant  congregations  are  in  a  deplorable  condition,  and 
we  must  commend  the  same  to  your  Reverences  in  the  most 
urgent  manner.  Lancaster,  Reading,  York,  Tulpehocken, 
Whitehall,  Easton,  Goshenhoppen,  important  places  for 
preachers,  request,  beg,  and  pray  through  us  for  help.  And 
as  far  as  we  can  tell  by  experience,  the  help  is  more  necessary 
than  fifteen  years  ago,  at  least  quite  as  necessary.  For  (1) 
There  were  not  at  that  time  as  many  adventurers  as  at 
present.  (2)  The  youth  increase  mightily  in  numbers,  and 
in  ignorance,  being  everywhere  surrounded  by  great  tempta- 
tions, and  if  the  youth  grow  up  in  a  corrupt  church,  we  can- 
not possibly  exert  a  sufficient  counter  influence,  so  that  kind- 
hearted  and  willing  men  must  become  discouraged  under  the 
burden  and  threatening  storm  of  calamities.  If  we  cannot 
be  assisted  now,  then  our  reputation  is  gone,  and  vre  must 
see  to  it  ourselves  to  escape  the  storm,  and  save  ourselves 

*  A  duplicate  copy  of  these  Minutes  has  a  much  shorter  sectiou, 
differing  in  many,  but  unimportant,  details. 


EECOEDS  OF  17 61.  225 

alone.  The  promised  help  being  delayed  almost  cuts  off  all 
hope.  For  ail  the  above-mentioned  churches  are  rather  sad- 
dened than  made  glad  by  the  proposition  made  to  them,  that 
they  shall  first  send  over  the  traveling  expenses  and  then 
await  what  kind  of  a=-man  they  may  get,  whether  it  be  a 
Bartholomaeus  or  a  Hochreutiner.  And  besides,  most  of  these 
churches  have  enjoyed  thirty  pounds  donations  annually.  Now 
they  struggle  until  they  are  able  to  support  ministers  without 
donations.  Some,  in  certain  respects,  do  more  than  they  can  af- 
ford, and  that  now  they  shall  contribute  in  addition  and  in 
advance  fifty  or  sixty  pounds,  and  transmit  them  for  travel- 
ing expenses,  is  impossible.  And  the  worst  of  all  is,  that  with 
many,  a  suspicion  arises  that  the  fatherly  love  and  motherly 
care  of  our  highly  esteemed  Holland  Mother  Church  is  not 
only  waning,  but  may  suddenly  cease.  We  do  not  know  how 
else  to  save  ourselves  than  with  the  utmost  determination  to 
dispose  by  praj^er  the  hearts  of  the  Rev.  S>Tiods  and  Classis 
of  Amsterdam,  once  more  to  look  in  pity  upon  our  destitute 
condition,  and  by  a  benevolent  assistance,  hitherto  char- 
acteristic of  the  Church  of  Holland  alone,  to  send  us  min- 
isters. Let  us  add  that  we  are  willing  to  give  up  our  own 
support  and  not  think  of  our  need,  while  our  hearts  are 
wrung  by  the  necessities  of  others.  Accordingly  it  is  our 
voluntary  resolution  that  the  moneys  intended  for  us  by  the 
Rev.  SjTiods  and  Classis,  may  be  used  for  traveling  expenses, 
in  order  to  secure  help  for  the  congregations  and  not  for 
ourselves  personally.  We  shall  see  how  with  this  generosity 
we  shall  get  along  and  at  another  Coetus  render  report.  We 
shall  rejoice  in  the  flattering  hope  that  the  Rev.  Fathers  shall 
also  be  pleased  to  add  a  little  more  to  it,  and  show  a  liberal 
hand  toward  our  present  necessity,  and  send  five  or  six  min- 
isters free  from  Duisburg  or  the  Palatinate,  as  soon  as 
possible.  If  this  our  request  is  denied,  we  shall  be  compelled 
to  give  up  the  Coetus. 

SESSION  n. 

A.  M.,  May  3. 
1.  Philip  Jacob  Michael  appeared  with  an  earnest  petition 
that  he  might  be  admitted  as  a  member  of  Coetus.      His 
credentials,  from  far  and  near,  show,  that  according  to  the 
15 


226  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

rules  of  our  Reformed  Church,  he  has  been  faithful  in  doc- 
trine, life  and  conduct  for  fourteen  years,  and  constantly 
served  the  same  congregations  in  MaxatawTiy,  and  therefore 
he  does  not  deserve  the  name  of  an  adventurer,  or,  Moravian. 
Ke  showed  that  twelve  years  ago  Mr.  Schlatter  would  not 
recognize  or  admit  him  because  of  unfounded  reasons.  Where- 
fore he  would  not  apply  again,  although  he  labored  con- 
tinually in  harmony  with  us.  We  can  state  tliis  all  the  more 
readily,  because  all  his  congregations  are  well  known  to  us  and 
we  know  how  he  has  unweariedly  aimed  for  this  end,  and 
even  now  in  the  48th  year  of  his  age  he  supplies  with  the 
greatest  zeal  twelve  congregations.  This  earnest  request  and 
petition  we  could  not  refuse.  But  since  he  has  not  been  or- 
dained, according  to  the  order  of  our  church,  we  herewith 
request  permission,  and  proper  authority  from  the  Rev. 
Synods  to  ordain  him.  And  as  several  of  our  number  have 
heard  him  preach,  and  in  his  ministrations  all  is  clearly  in 
accordance  with  the  Reformed  Church-Order  in  doctrine  and 
life,  we  expect  that  our  request  will  not  be  in  vain,  so  that 
we  may  thus  be  strengthened,  by  bringing  under  our  control 
the  congregations  which  he  is  serving,  and  comply  -with  his 
reasonable  request.  We  would  not  put  our  pen  to  this  were 
we  not  convinced  that  it  would  be  of  advantage  to  us,  and  of 
greater  profit  to  his  congregations.  We  expect  at  the  earliest 
opportunity  a  favorable  reply  from  the  Rev.  Synods. 

2.  Some  charges  against  Do.  Leydich  were  investigated,  and 
found  to  be  without  foundation,  and  all  trouble  healed. 

3.  In  the  remaining  congregations  we  find  good  harmony 
and  only  this  complaint,  that  the  few  ministers  here  are 
compelled  by  riding  to  the  vacant  congregations  to  tire  them- 
selves out  to  such  an  extent  that  their  own  congregations 
cannot  have  sufficient  ministrations  from  them. 

4.  Resolved  that  our  Coetus  shall  meet  next  year  on  Wed- 
nesday in  the  second  week  of  the  month  of  May,  1765, 
V.  D.  T.  O.  M.  [by  the  will  of  God,  the  Greatest,  Highest 
and  Best,  i.  e.     Volente  Deo,  Tanto,  Optimo,  Maximo.) 

5.  The  state  of  our  churches  herewith  follows: 

(1)  At  Germantown  Do.  Alsentz  has  baptized  44  children 
and  three  adults,  and   after  previous  instruction,  admitted 


EECOBDS  OF  1764.  227 

28  members.  The  three  German  schools  are  in  good  condi- 
tion, Cateehizing  is  held  in  public  during  the  week  and  on 
Sundays.  Ninety-three  heads  of  families  have  signed  tlieir 
names  in  the  church  book  as  members  of  the  church.  In  the 
tT\^o  other  congregations  there  are  altogether  about  50  families, 
18  children  were  baptized  and  two  received  as  members. 

(2)  At  Amwell  there  are  50  families.  Here  everything  is 
in  good  order,  but  no  further  specification  is  given. 

(3)  At  Frederick  Do.  Otterbein  has  between  60  and  70 
families;  45  children  have  been  baptized,  20  members  were 
received;  and  60  children  attend  the  schools.  At  Conoco- 
cheague  there  are  30  families;  16  baptized,  5  received  as 
members,  30  children  in  the  school. 

(4)  Do.  Du  Bois  has  47  families  at  North  and  South- 
hampton; 12  children  baptized,  and  5  persons  received  as 
members  upon  confession  of  faith. 

(5)  At  Philadelphia  there  are  about  180  families,  but  the 
number  is  daily  increased  under  the  ministry  of  Do.  Wey- 
berg.  Since  October,  1763,  he  baptized  46  children,  and  re- 
ceived 70  members  on  confession;  90  children  in  school. 

(6)  Prom  Dos.  Leydich  and  Waldschmidt  no  report  was 
received. 

Concluding  we  herewith  wdsh  that  the  Great  Shepherd  will 
graciously  keep  your  reverend  persons,  families  and  churches, 
and  by  His  power  make  you  fit  through  living  faith  for  his 
glory.  Ourselves  and  our  churches  we  humbly  commend  to 
your  reverend  intercession  and  benevolent  hearts.  We  are 
now  and  always,  with  all  esteem. 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned,  Highly  Honored  Sirs  and 
Fathers  in  Christ, 

Your  obedient,  dutiful,  and  faithful  servants  and  co- 
laborers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard, 

J.  George  Alsentz,  President. 
Caspar  Diedrich  "VYeyberg,  Secretary. 

N.  B.  The  writer  begs  you  to  excuse  the  style,  and  to 
take  the  good  will  for  the  deed. 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  MINUTES  OF  THE   SPECIAL 
COETUS  OR  CONFERENCE,  HELD  IN  PHILA- 
DELPHIA, SEPTEMBER  12,  1764. 

(Amsterdam,  Vol.  xxxv,  No.  122.) 

They  have  received  our  letter  of  April  4,  1764.  Do.  Al- 
sentz,  as  President,  urged  Do.  Weyberg  as  Secretary,  and 
Do.  Du  Bois  as  the  nearest  minister,  to  meet  for  conference. 

I. 

They  return  thanks  for  the  donations  transmitted  to  them. 
They  will  answer  our  letter  after  it  has  been  considered  in 
the  fuU  meeting  of  the  Coetus. 

II. 

Two  elders  from  Amwell  appear  before  them.  Do.  Stapel 
was  also  requested,  by  letter  and  word  of  mouth,  to  appear. 
They  complain : 

1.  That  Do.  Stapel  had  long  treated  them  without  con- 
sideration, threatened  continually  to  leave  them,  and  ad- 
ministered his  office  very  indifferently. 

2.  In  order  to  get  a  wife  he  had  made  a  batch  of  some  kind 
of  lottery  tickets,  from  which  one  was  to  be  drawn  for  his 
wife,  (however  none  was  simple  enough  to  fall  in  with  his 
scheme)   against  which  consistory  and  congregation  protest. 

3.  That  on  July  28th  he  asked  for  his  dismissal  in  writing, 
because  the  consistory  was  not  ^^dlling  to  save  his  honor  and 
make  up  his  salary,  concerning  which  they  could  prove  the 
contrary. 

4.  That  he  had  first  asked  the  members  of  his  consistory  to 
appear  at  the  drawing  of  his  lottery.  (He  had  about  fifteen 
or  sixteen  tickets,  on  one  was  written  never  in  his  life  thus 
to  marry,  on  the  others  were  the  names  of  well  Imown  wo- 
men, of  whom  he  washed  to  select  one.) But  when  they  [the 
consistory]  refused  to  appear  at  his  house,  he  threatened 
them  as  usual  to  compel  them  by  the  authorities,  and  that  he 
would  show  them  by  an  English  minister  and  a  justice  of  the 
peace  that  he  had  a  right  so  to  act. 

(228) 


BECOBDS  OF  1764.  229 

5.  Afterwards  he  tried  to  win  our  favor  by  saying  that  the 
Rev.  Fathers  somewhat  despised  the  Palatinate  churches,  that 
we  should  therefore  leave  the  Holland  Synods  and  the  Coetus, 
and  then  he  would  remain  our  minister. 

All  these  points  were  signed  by  all  the  members  of  the 
congregation. 

They  conclude  (the  writers  of  the  letter)  that  Do.  Stapel 
should  lay  down  his  office  for  a  while,  until  they  could  see 
how  to  set  this  matter  aright. 

In  connection  ^^dth  this  affair  the  elders  do  not  wish  to  state 
everything  about  his  conduct,  of  which  they  know  too  much, 
how  bad  it  has  been  for  some  months. 

They  have  very  little  hope  for  his  improvement.  He  passes 
his  time  partly  in  drinking,  partly  in  thinking  of  the  other 
sex  and  partly  in  practicing  medicine.  They  will  report 
about  this  matter  more  fully  at  the  [next]  meeting  of  Coetus. 

They  conclude  mth  hearty  wishes,  commending  themselves 
and  their  churches  to  our  love. 

In  the  name  of  the  Committee 

J.  George  Alsentz,  President. 

Philadelphia,  September  12,  1764. 


LETTER  OF  COETUS  TO  THE  ELDERS  AT  LAN- 
CASTER, DECEMBER  18,  1764. 

(Harbaugh  Mss.,  No.  26.) 

Most  Noble  and  Worthy  Brethren,  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Reformed 

Congregation  in  Lancaster: 

The  present  committee,  consisting  of  the  President  and  Secretary  of 
the  Rev.  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  having  met  at  Philadelphia,  have  in- 
vestigated and  carefully  considered  the  call  and  letters  from  Holland 
concerning  Mr.  Hendel. 

We  deem  it  expedient  to  present  this  Eeverend  Gentleman  to  your  con- 
gregation, hoping  that  you  will  receive  him  with  all  the  love  and  respect 
which  he  deserves.  We  do  not  doubt  that  his  ministry  will  be  agreeable 
to  you  all,  and  will  tend  to  the  salvation  of  your  immortal  souls.  We 
only  regret  that  you  have  sent  your  delegated  brother  so  early,  without 
our  knowledge,  which  has  only  increased  the  expenses,  and  shows  too 
much  zeal. 

We  wish,  however,  that  your  fervor  may  not  too  soon  become  cold. 

You  will  have  to  refund  a  part  of  Do.  Hendel's  traveling  expenses, 
which  we  advanced  for  him,  namely,  £13  of  our  money.  This  you  will 
please  send,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  Do.  Weyberg,  at  Philadelphia.  Fin- 
ally, we  hope  that  you  will  make  his  salary  £75,  Pennsylvania  currency, 
besides  his  free  residence.  We  shall  see  at  our  next  Coetus  meeting 
what  other  arrangements  will  be  necessary.  His  service  begins  with  his 
introductory  sermon. 

We  commend  you  to  the  loving  care  of  the  Great  Shepherd,  Jesus 
Christ,  and  remain 

Your  fellow  brethren  in  the  Lord, 

wishing  and  caring  for  your  best  interests, 
J.  Geo.  Alsentz,  President. 
Caspar  Dietrich  Weyberg,  Secretary. 

Philadelphia,  December  18,  1764. 

(230) 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS,  HELD  L\  LiVNC ASTER, 
MAY  8  AND  9,  1765. 

(Hague  92,  B.  74.) 

Very  Revereiid,    Very   Learyied,   and   Highly   Honored   Sirs 

and  Fathers  in  Christ. 

By  the  kind  and  forbearing  providence  of  JehovaJi  our 
Lord,  we  rejoice  in  sending  with  deepest  obligations  of  es- 
teem to  your  Reverences  these  Minutes  of  our  Coetus,  hehl  in 
Lancaster  May  8th  and  9th.  Present  are :  Dos.  Weyberg, 
President,  Alsentz,  Secretary,  Waldschuiidt,  Leydich  and 
Hendel,  with  their  elders.  Dos.  Otterbein  and  Du  Bois  are 
held  back  by  heavy  rains,  and  a  fatiguing  journey  to  Vir- 
ginia, having  to  travel  on  horseback  more  than  180  miles. 

The  Coetus  was  opened  w'ith  a  sermon  by  the  President, 
Do.  Weyberg  on  Isaiah  Ixii.  6-7,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
whole  assembly, 

SESSION    I. 

2  o'clock  p.  M. 

1.  The  Rev.  President  put  a  question  to  the  ministers  and 
elders  present,  regarding  the  state  of  their  churches,  to  which 
all  answered,  that  the  temporal  affairs  were  good. 

2.  Plereupon  the  delegates  from  the  other  congregations 
appeared : 

a.  Two  from  Tulpehocken  again  ask  to  have  a  pastor,  and 
for  the  comfort  of  their  fellow-  members  request  information 
when  a  minister  may  arrive.  We  gave  them  the  promise  to 
send  them  the  first  minister  on  his  arrival  from  abroad. 

b.  Easton,  Greenwich,  Plaiufield,  and  the  Bethlehem  dis- 
trict, request  the  same,  in  Do.  Weyberg 's  place. 

c.  Reading  makes  the  same  request. 

d.  Muddy  Creek  and  Seltenreich  request  the  same. 

e.  York  asks  approval  of  a  call  to  Do.  Otterbein,  which 
is  granted. 

f.  Conewago  and  Paradise  desire  to  be  supplied  by  the 
minister  who  shall  settle  at  York. 

g.  Lebanon,  Sw^atara,  New  Hanover  [  ?]  united  congrega- 
tions, request  that  they  may  have  a  minister. 

(231) 


232  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

3.  The  visitation  of  the  churches  was  made  as  far  as  possible 
by  the  President  and  the  Secretary.  Do.  Weyberg  visited 
GermantoT\'n,  Falkner  Swamp,  Lancaster,  Whitehall  and 
Cohenzie,  and  found  them  in  good  order.  Do.  Alsentz  ^-isited 
Providence,  Vincent,  Reading,  York,  Lebanon,  Swatara, 
Tulpehocken,  Pequea,  Tohickon,  Oley,  Amwell  and  Bethle- 
hem in  New  Jersey  [  ?]  and  Philadelphia.  The  shepherdless 
congregations  are  waiting  for  ministers,  and  troubled  about 
their  condition.  The  others  are  in  a  prosperous  state. 
Amwell  has  been  brought  into  confusion  because  of  Do. 
Stapel,  who  does  not  preach  any  more  at  all,  and  has  ruined 
more  than  he  can  ever  build  up  again.  He  has  ^vithd^awn 
himself  from  Coetus,  and  practices  medicine.  His  reputation 
is  gone.  All  thoughts  of  second  marriage  are  given  up,  and 
smothered  by  sickness.  The  greater  part  of  the  congrega- 
tion maintains  itself  w^ell,  and  has  entirely  separated  itself 
from  him,  but  groans  under  the  debts  made  on  his  account. 
We  supply  them  as  much  as  possible  until  they  shall  be  in  a 
condition  to  call  another  pastor. 

At  Providence  and  Vincent,  where  Do.  Leydich  preaches, 
matters  are  reasonably  good.  Philadelphia  is  flourishing. 
Frederick  and  North  and  Southampton  where  Do.  Otterbein 
and  Do.  Du  Bois  are  located  respectively,  cannot  be  \^sited 
till  next  year.  The  scarcity  of  ministers  and  the  many  vacant 
congregations,  the  necessarily  frequent  visitations  of  the 
churches,  and  the  neglect  of  one's  owti  church,  do  not  per- 
mit the  making  of  a  thorough  visitation. 

4.  Lastly,  three  letters  were  submitted  and  read  from  the 
Rev.  Fathers,  the  one  of  April  2d,  the  second  of  August  13th, 
the  third  of  October  1st,  1764. 

SESSION  II.     8  A.  M. 

Regarding  the  first  letter,  an  answer  Avritten  September  12, 
1764  has  already  been  transmitted  by  a  committee,  and  must 
now  be  in  your  Reverences'  hands. 

a.  Concerning  the  distributions  of  the  donations,  it  remains 
to  be  mentioned  that  450  fl.  in  Holland  currency,  is  too  little 
even  for  the  country;  the  cities  demand  almost  again  as 
much.  Accordingly  we  no  longer  locate  a  pastor  in  a  con- 
gregation without  seeing  to  it  that  it  can  contribute  50  pounds 


BECOEDS  OF  1765.  233 

Sterling,  which  is  equivalent  to  560  fl.  Hence  we  can  not 
state  what  is  lacking  of  450  fl.  AYe  retain  for  this  reason  the 
usual  division  into  equal  portions,  as  nearly  as  possible,  and 
eare  for  the  ^Yidow  Bartholomaeus  and  the  school-teachers. 

b.  The  decision  against  Do.  Rieger  sustains  our  credit,  and 
we  consider  it  a  just  resolution. 

c.  About  foreign  church-orders,  we  know  nothing.  We 
hold  to  the  Dutch  and  the  Palatinate.  Of  Do.  Schlatter's 
church-order  nothing  has  come  to  our  knowledge.  And  that 
Do.  Stapel  wanted  to  introduce  novelties  was  entirely  without 
our  knowledge  or  approval. 

Letter  II.  To  the  letter  brought  over  by  Do.  Hendel  we 
here^vith  reply  that  it  has  not  only  caused  us  special  joy  and 
gladness  to  embrace  this  brother  in  good  health,  to  locate 
him  at  Lancaster  in  order  to  minister  to  this  large  congre- 
gation, but  we  also  thank  you  most  cordially  for  securing 
and  sending  such  a  man. 

Letter  III.  The  latest  letter  from  the  Rev.  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  reached  us  in  the  month  of  March,  and  we  re- 
solved to  answer  it  as  follows: 

1.  That  we  heartily  wish  we  were  in  a  condition  to  hold 
our  annual  Coetus  at  such  a  time  that  the  Rev.  Fathers  might 
best  be  satisfied.  But  the  mail  across  the  ocean  at  that  time 
is  so  uncertain  that  it  is  almost  impracticable.  YTe  have  let- 
ters of  1759,  wherein  the  same  complaint  occurs  about  the 
time,  and  then  our  Coetus  was  held  in  August  and  September. 
Hence  we  know  not  what  time  is  the  best.  But  next  year  we 
will  begin  to  hold  our  Coetus  later. 

2.  YThereas  it  was  resolved  to  devote  the  moneys  intended 
as  donations  to  the  traveling  expenses  for  the  transporation 
of  ministers,  it  seemed  to  us  unnecessary  to  specify  further 
what  was  needed  here.  But  that  our  arguments,  meant  to  in- 
duce your  Reverences  quickly  to  send  over  some  ministers, 
have  been  taken  so  ill  and  misunderstood,  grieves  us  very 
much,  and  is  altogether  against  our  intention.  YTe  perceive 
in  our  Minutes  no  accusation  or  reproach.  If  weighty  rea- 
sons are  construed  as  reproach  and  humble  requests  deserve 
harsh  contradictions,  we  shall  have  to  give  fuller  explana- 
tions, or  else  our  correspondence  \\i\\  fall  into  the  utmost  con- 


234  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

fusion.     In  every  letter  received  during  the  period  of  three 
or  four  years  we  found  mentioned  : 

(1)  That  the  subsidies  should  cease. 

(2)  That  we  should  take  care  to  secure  our  support  from 
the  congregations.  And  wliile  we  were  busy  \dth  this  matter, 
the  letters  of  1763  asked  us  to  send  traveling  expenses  for  the 
transportation  of  ministers.  This  being  impossible  for  us, 
we  unanimously  resolved  to  leave  with  you  the  donations,  for 
the  traveling  expenses  of  ministers,  in  order  to  obtain  assist- 
ance more  quickly  and  more  easily.  We  were  far  from  ac- 
cusing you  of  indifference,  but  the  above-mentioned  seemed 
to  many  a  plain  proof  that  your  Reverences  were  desirous 
of  witlidrawing  from  us  entirely,  since  not  only  the  sub- 
sidies were  to  cease  but  we  were  also  to  send  over  traveling 
expenses,  both  of  which  would  press  upon  us  too  heavily,  and 
hinder  everything  by  being  impracticable.  Looked  at  in 
this  light  we  cannot  think  otherwise  than  that  your  Rever- 
ences will  not  take  this  point  so  ill,  but  put  another  con- 
struction upon  it,  which  shall  not  serve  to  make  us  both  sorry 
but  help  to  increase  our  mutual  love  and  be  more  in  accord 
with  our  troubled  circumstances. 

3.  Further,  it  seems  verj^  strange  to  us  to  find  in  the  same 
letter  a  warning  against  brethren  in  the  other  provinces,  who 
amuse  themselves  with  vagaries,  and  would  build  a  Babel 
in  organizing  Classes.  We  could  not  understand  these  ex-  ^ 
pressions,  nor  reconcile  them,  since  otherwise  we  should  have 
to  believe  that  our  most  reverend  mother-church  in  Holland 
had  been  reared  up  as  a  Babel  by  the  erection  of  Classes, 
which  no  Reformed  Christian  here  believes.  But  it  would  be 
against  nature  and  reason  that  the  daughter  shall  always 
have  to  remain  a  minor  and  inferior,  that  she  should  never 
dare  to  grow  into  motherhood  and  womanhood;  if  our  Zion 
is  to  flourish  the  daughter  must  become  a  woman  and 
mother.  The  Presbyterians  have  given  us  an  example  in  tKis, 
and  have  prepared  men;  whereby  their  church  flourishes. 
And  so  in  time  it  \^^ll  have  to  be  with  our  churches.  Other- 
vnse  100,000  souls  will  be  regarded  not  as  a  plantation  of 
Christendom,  but  ns  a  confused  and  scattered  flock.  The 
Rev.  Synods  axid  Classes  are  our  best  example  in  their  be- 


EECORDS  OF  1765.  235 

ginning  and  progress,  and  our  regular  ordination,  after  the 
articles  of  our  faith,  gives  us  the  right  and  the  power  so  to 
increase  that  we  may  arrive  at  riper  years.  But  as  long  as 
the  mother  lives,  the  daughter  remains  in  her  position.  This 
is  our  opinion,  according  to  Holy  Scriptures,  the  Acts  of 
Synod  of  Dort,  and  the  history  of  the  church.  Moreover  we 
can  never  believe,  that  the  Rev.  Fathers  look  upon  us  as  such 
little  creatures  as  to  be  unfit  to  extend  and  plant  the  church. 
In  that  case  we  would  have  to  be  regarded  not  as  brethren 
and  co-laborers,  but  as  Gibeonites.  Further,  we  are  of  the 
opinion  that  it  is  very  necessary  to  arrive  at  mature  years, 
else  our  church  will  not  continue  in  existence. 

Goshenhoppen,  about  which  your  Reverences  inquire,  has 
taken  an  old,  ordinary  man,  a  shoemaker  [Jacob  Riess]  for 
its  minister,  because  we  could  not  at  once  provide  the  members 
with  some  one  to  their  satisfaction;  and  thus  did  Maxatawny 
with  Michael,  and  Carlisle  with  another,  [John  C.  Bucher]. 
Several  would  follow  in  their  footsteps,  could  they  but  find 
men  who  could  memorize  a  sermon.  Whenever  such  a  min- 
ister makes  a  success  of  it,  we  are  despised;  and  if  he  proves 
a  failure,  we  have  a  double  labor  and  burden  to  restore  or- 
der, to  pacify  the  dissatisfied  ones  and  to  sustain  the  others, 
on  account  of  the  parties  that  arise.  For  such  reasons  and 
because  of  such  circumstances  we  received  into  our  Coetus 
at  the  arrival  of  Do.  Hendel  one,  John  Daniel  Gros,  a  well 
educated  man,  who  came  over  wdth  him.  The  time  in  Holland 
being  too  short,  on  account  of  the  departure  of  the  ship, 
he  could  not  further  address  himself  to  the  Rev.  Synods  and 
await  their  decision.  Therefore  he  at  once  desired  our 
assistance  here.  We  were  obliged  to  take  him  from  the  ship, 
because  several  shepherdless  congregations  wanted  to  take 
him,  engage  him,  and  receive  him  as  their  pastor.  To  stop 
and  prevent  all  disorder,  we  examined  him  in  theology  and 
languages,  and  found  him  exceedingly  well  versed.  His  de- 
livery was  defective,  but  his  credentials  from  Marburg  and 
Heidelberg  were  genuine  and  fine.  Mr.  Hendel's  testimony 
to  his  conduct  and  diligence  at  the  University  of  Heidelberg, 
as  long  as  he  knew  him  there,  was  of  very  great  weight  with 
us.     In  this  manner  we  ordained  him  and  located  him  at 


236  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Whitehall,  where  he  is  serving  four  congregations  with  zeal 
and  praise.  We  trust  that  this  worthy  man  will  be  accepted 
by  your  Reverences,  and  that  our  action,  demanded  by  the 
state  of  affairs,  will  meet  with  approval.  We  can  see  no 
reason  w^hy  we  should  have  left  such  a  man  without  assistance, 
and  aJlow^ed  confusion  to  enter  into  our  church-order,  since 
we,  as  guardians,  can  and  must  look  to  injury  and  to  order 
so  far  as  lies  in  us.  We  shall  leave  Mr.  ]\Iichael  to  himself, 
and  say  nothing  further  about  him,  because  the  Rev.  Fathers 
seem  much  disinclined  to  grant  our  request,  and  he  being 
aged  does  not  press  his  case,  and  his  congregations  are  satis- 
fied with  him  without  ordination. 

The  state  of  our  churches  is  as  follows: 

1.  Philadelphia  has  about  125  families;  108  children  were 
baptized  from  May,  1764,  to  May,  1765;  50  have  been  re- 
ceived as  members.  Betw^een  90  and  100  children  attend 
the  schools. 

2.  At  Lancaster  Do.  Hendel  has  found  up  to  this  time  93 
Reformed  families.  In  that  congregation  he  baptized  since 
his  arrival,  about  the  middle  of  December,  to  May,  27  chil- 
dren; received  39  persons  as  members,  among  whom  were 
15  young  men,  20  unmarried  and  4  married  women,  who  came 
from  the  Catholics  and  from  the  Mennonites.  About  80 
children  attend  the  schools.  Besides  this  he  has  visited  York, 
Donegal,  Maytown,  White  Oaks,  Lebanon,  Kreutz  Creek,  Sel- 
tenreich  and  Muddy  Creek. 

3.  At  Providence  and  Vincent,  where  Do.  Leydich  preaches, 
there  are  about  54  families,  in  the  former  24,  and  in  the  other 
30.  In  both  congregations  32  children  were  baptized,  21  per- 
sons received  as  members;  most  of  the  time  50  cliildren  in 
school. 

4.  Cocalico  and  Cacusi  consist  of  50  families.  Do.  Wald- 
schmidt  received  from  1763  to  1764,  13  members.  Most  of  the 
time  40  children  attend  school.  From  1764  to  1765  the 
families  remained  the  same;  but  38  members  were  received 
from  some  distant  families.  The  schools  are  very  nearly 
the  same.  In  the  two  years  65  children  were  baptized.  The 
reason  why  he  was  not  at  the  Coetus  of  1764,  was  the  heavy 
rains  and  great  floods. 


EECOBDS  OF  1765.  237 

5.  At  Whitehall  Do.  Gros  found  94  members  in  the  one 
congregation  [Egypt]  ;  from  the  middle  of  December  to  ]\Iay 
baptized  7  cliildren,  received  13  members.  In  the  other  con- 
gregation, [Schlosser's],  there  are  78  members;  children  bap- 
tized 8,  received  as  members  7.  In  the  congregation  across 
the  Jordan  there  are  73  members ;  7  children  baptized ;  5  mem- 
bers received.  In  the  fourth  congregation,  Allentown,  there 
are  83  members;  children  baptized  6;  received  as  mem- 
bers 4.  In  five  other,  shepherdless  congregations,  Lecha, 
[Lehigh],  Plainfield,  at  Droogeland  [Dryland],  Greenwich, 
Lindau,  he  baptized  43  children,  and  found  over  300  members. 

6.  At  North  and  Southampton  Do.  Du  Bois  has  47  families ; 
baptized  17  children;  received  2  members.  No  school  can  be 
kept  there  because  the  two  churchies  are  too  far  apart. 
Therefore  the  children  are  taught  by  the  parents,  and  by 
constant  catechizing. 

7.  At  Germantown  Do.  Alsentz  still  has  93  families.  He 
baptized  from  May,  1764  to  1765,  30  children,  received  12 
members.  Between  50  and  60  children  attend  the  school.  At 
Witpen  there  are  about  26  families ;  9  children  were  baptized ; 
and  the  school  has  about  20  children,  sometimes  more  or  less. 
Worcester  has  about  27  families,  12  children  baptized.  In  the 
school  there  are  about  30  children. 

Do.  Otterbein's  report  did  not  aiTive,  and  as  it  seems,  was 
lost  upon  the  long  journey. 

These  Minutes  are  approved  by  all  (except  Otterbein  who 
was  absent) . 

Concluding  we  herewith  wish  that  the  great  Jehovah  ^\^11 
by  grace  and  love  cause  your  reverend  persons,  families  and 
churches,  to  increase  and  prosper  to  the  glory  of  his  name, 
and  to  the  welfare  of  our  Church.  We  sign  ourselves  with 
aU  esteem. 

Your  Reverences', 

Our  Learned  and  Honored  Sirs  and  Fathers, 

Humble  and  faithful  servants  and  co-laborers  in  the  Lord 's 
vineyard,  by  order  and  in  the  name  of  the  Rev.  Coetus 

CD.  Wetberg,  President. 
J.  George  Alsentz,  Secretary. 

Given  at  Germantown,  May  23,  1765. 


238  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

P.  S.  In  view  of  your  pleasant  promises  and  great  trouble 
we  await  with  much  impatience  tiie  arrival  of  five  or  six 
ministers,  who  we  hope  and  wish  are  on  the  way.  On  account 
of  the  pressing  need,  we  can  not  do  other\vise  than  urge  tliis 
upon  you  once  more  in  the  most  humble  manner. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  SPECIAL  COETUS  OF  1765. 
(Hague  92,  B.  78.) 

MINUTES  OF  SPECIAL   COETUS,   HELD  IN  PHILADELPHIA,  OCTOBER 
16   AND   17,    1765. 

Ve7"y   Reverend,   Very   Learned,  Highly   Honored  Sirs  and 

Fathers  in  Christ: 

The  fortunate  arrival  of  the  four  Brethren  sent  over  by  our 
reverend  and  faithful  fathei-s,  the  Synods  and  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  as  well  as  their  introduction  into  our  vineyard, 
required  a  special  meeting,  which  would  have  been  held  im- 
mediately, if  the  Secretary  had  been  at  home.  These  gentle- 
men came  just  upon  the  day  when  the  writer  of  tliis  was 
traveling  to  Virginia,  in  order  to  visit  the  abandoned  sheep 
there,  which  required  three  weeks  time  and  is  a  journey 
of  over  200  miles.  Difficult  as  it  is  for  the  body,  it  is  soul- 
refrCvshing  to  see  that  the  Lord  has  also  sheep  in  this  T^-ilder- 
ness,  who  hear  and  know  his  voice.  S.  D.  G. (Soli  Deo  Gloria) . 
The  brethren  were  meanwhile  sent  to  several  places,  to  see  if 
they  would  accept  a  call  from  them.  But  in  order  to  dis- 
cuss the  matter  to  better  advantage  a  special  Coetus  was 
called  on  the  return  of  the  Secretary,  with  the  consent  of  the 
Rev.  President. 

This  Coetus  was  opened  with  a  sermon  by  the  Secretary 
on  John  xviii.  36,  first  clause,  "My  kingdom  is  not  of  this 
world."  At  this  Coetus  there  were  assembled :  Dos.  Weyberg, 
President,  Du  Bois,  Leydich,  Waldschmidt,  Hendel,  Gros, 
Pomp,  Berger,  Henop  and  Alsentz.  Zufall  on  account  of  a 
serious  illness,  Otterbein  on  account  of  removal  from  Fred- 


BE  COBB  S  OF  1765.  239 

erick  to  York,  just  effected  this  Treek,  were  absent.  The 
elders  of  the  ministers  present  and  absent  completed  the 
Coetus. 

SESSION  I.     3  P.  M. 

1.  After  the  letters  had  been  read,  the  Rev.  President  put 
a  question  to  Do.  Pomp  regarding  the  congregation  of  Fallmer 
Swamp,  which  Do.  Leydich,  on  account  of  feebleness  of  mind 
and  body,  can  no  longer  serve, — whether  he  would  take  this 
and  the  one  across  the  Schuylkill  in  Vincent  township  under 
his  care,  and  whether  these  congregations  were  willing  to 
provide  the  necessaiy  salary.  On  both  sides  the  answer  was 
cordially  in  the  affirmative. 

2.  Dp.  Berger,  having  been  asked  whether  he  would  provide 
the  church  in  Reading  with  the  service  of  the  gospel,  and 
whether  that  congregation  was  able  and  willing  to  contribute 
the  necessary  salary,  thereupon  with  the  elder  answered 
they  would  try  it  until  the  next  Coetus,  and  then  would 
give  further  report. 

3.  Thereupon  followed  Do.  Henop,  who  had  a  call  to 
Easton.  The  question  put  to  him  and  his  elder  was  answered 
to  complete  satisfaction;  that  he  was  very  well  pleased  there 
and  would  take  the  congregation  under  his  ministrj^;  where- 
upon the  elder  from  Easton  explained  further  that  Easton, 
Greenwich,  Dryland  and  Plainfield  were  united,  and  these 
congregations  would  provide  75  pounds,  free  residence  and 
necessary  fire  wood,  per  annum.  An  eider  from  a  congre- 
gation  in  Lecha  [Lehigh]  to^^Tiship  appeared,  which  congre- 
gation desired  to  be  supplied  by  Dos.  Henop  and  Gros,  be- 
cause it  was  situated  between  their  charges;  vrhereupon  it 
was  resolved  that  the  gentlemen  mentioned  should  help  as 
much  as  they  possibly  could. 

4.  In  the  absence  of  Do.  Zufall,  two  delegates  were  pres- 
ent, with  a  letter  from  him,  wherein  he  mentions  his  sickness 
and  improvement,  and  that  he  found  it  necessary  to  serve 
four  congregations,  whereof  he  would  make  further  report 
in  the  future.  These  are:  two  in  Tulpitoun  [Tulpehocken 
tOAvnship]  one  on  the  Muhlbach,  and  one  near  Lebanon, 
[Swatara]  which  are  able,  and  very  willing  to  contribute  the 
necessary  salary. 


240  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

SESSION  n. 

October  17th,  8  A.  M. 

1.  The  elder  from  Frederick  complains  of  the  removal  of 
Do.  Otterbein,  and  begs  for  help.  Tliis  dear  congregation,  in 
wliich  is  the  greatest  number  of  awakened  and  convicted  souls, 
cannot  at  present  be  provided  for.  But  we  admonished  the 
members  to  have  a  little  patience,  because  we  have  good  hope 
of  having  two  or  three  more  brethren  ^ntli  us  in  a  short  time. 
Then  they  would  be  cared  for  fii-st  of  all. 

2.  Resolved  that  the  Secretar>^  shall  convey  the  profound- 
est  and  humblest  tlianks  of  ourselves  and  our  congregations 
to  you,  in  the  most  emphatic  manner ;  but  to  this  the  Secretary 
from  lack  of  words  is  unequal.  AVe,  ministers  and  eldei-s, 
are  con\^nced  of  the  benevolent  feelings  of  our  reverend 
mother-church.  We  praise  the  eternal  goodness  of  God  who 
hath  raised  her  up  to  be  our  friend.  Our  hearty  diligence, 
labors,  cares  and  pains  will  be  the  constant  pledge  of  our  esteem 
and  thankfulness,  and  it  will  be  our  joy  to  show  that  we 
know  how  to  value  such  indispensable  aid.  Our  most  diligent 
efforts  are  directed  to  the  end,  that  when  we  may  appear  before 
the  throne  of  the  Lamb  we  may  receive  due  praise.  Our  love 
shall  be  the  lasting  bond  by  which  we  as  true  brethren  shall 
remain  united  to  your  Reverences.  The  expression  of  thanks 
on  the  part  of  the  congregations  embraces  all  the  best  ^vishes 
and  prayers  for  the  continued  welfare  of  the  Rev.  Synods, 
Classis  of  Amsterdam  and  the  churches  in  Holland.  The 
good  application  and  use  of  the  aid  thus  obtained  \^dll  call 
forth  the  praise  that  is  due  from  us.  Herein  is  fulfilled  what 
is  said  in  Proverbs  xiii.  12. 

3.  The  verbal  message  of  the  four  gentlemen  was  heard, 
conveying  complaints  over  the  ^dthholding  of  our  ]\Iinutes 
and  accounts,  to  which  we  reply  that  we  do  not  Imow 
whether  we  have  properly  understood  this  or  what  can  be 
meant  thereby,  for  we  have  already  received  answers  to  all 
our  Minutes.  As  regards  the  accounts,  we  have  mentioned 
constantly  that  we  have  di"snded  into  equal  parts,  of  which 
a  specimen  is  added,  in  order  to  avoid  all  suspicion  and 
jealousy.  And  as  long  as  the  Reverend  Fathers  are  disin- 
clined to  appreciate  the  fact  that  we  cannot  possibly  live 


BECOEDS  OF  1765,  2-il 

on  450  fl.,  and  that  we  cannot  say  that  we  receive  less,  be- 
cause we  all  have  450  fl.  from  our  congregations,  and  several 
have  more  than  that,  Ave  must  wait,  if  we  would  not  render 
a  fictitious  account,  hoping  that  the  Reverend  Fathers  vnll 
admit  that  we  have  too  little  to  live  on  and  too  much  to 
die,  which  is  the  truth  in  regard  to  the  fixed  450  fl.  And 
therefore,  we  must  say,  Providence  has  watched  over  us 
and  has  hitherto  supplied  our  lack.  If  the  Reverend  Fathers 
desire  to  know  how  much  one  or  the  other  place  requires  to 
live  in  it,  this  will  be  stated  to  them  to  the  best  of  our 
knowledge  and  conscience. 

4.  Resolved  to  hold  our  Coetus  (D.  V.)  [i.  e.  God  willing] 
in  Reading  on  the  first  "Wednesday  in  September,  1766,  and 
that  every  elder  shall  appear  authorized  by  his  fellow  elders, 
and  not  only  with  the  consent  of  the  minister. 

In  conclusion,  we  wish  that  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the 
sheep  will  still  raise  up  men  after  his  own  heart,  and  bring 
them  to  your  Reverences  for  the  further  supply  of  our 
vacant  places :  Baltimore,  Frederick,  Muddy  Creek,  Lebanon, 
Pipe  Creek,  Winchester  and  Amwell,  where  seven  ministers 
are  required,  and  would  also  be  supported  if  they  were  only 
here.  The  same  Great  Shepherd  preserve  you  within  the 
arms  of  his  grace  and  love,  permit  blessing  after  blessing  to 
be  showered  down  upon  your  services  and  houses,  to  the 
magnif}dng  of  his  name  and  to  your  eternal  joy.  We  sign 
ourselves  with  all  esteem  and  humility, 

Your  Reverences',  Reverend  Sirs,  Our  highly  esteemed 
Fathers,  obedient  and  most  dutiful  servants  and  co-laborers 
in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  by  order  and  in  the  name  of  all, 

Caspar  Weyberg,  Pres.,  p.  t. 
John  George  Alsentz,  Sec,  p.  t. 
16 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1766. 
(Hague  92,  B.  85.) 

MIXUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,   HELD  IN  READING, 
SEPTEMBER  3  AND  4,   1766. 

Herewith  we  have  the  honor  and  the  pleasure  to  lay  the 
Minutes  of  our  Coetus  before  your  Reverences.  Present  are : 
Otterbein,  (President,)  Ilendel,  (Secretary,)  Leydich,  Wey- 
berg,  Alsentz,  AYaldschinidt,  Du  Bois,  Gros,  Pomp,  Henop, 
Zufall,  Berger.  Coetus  was  opened  in  the  church  with  a 
sermon  by  the  President  on  Luke  x.  4,  5.  Aftenvards  it 
was  resolved  to  hold  our  meetings  likewise  in  the  church. 
Because  Do.  Hendel,  on  account  language  and  the  condition  of 
his  hand,*  was  not  able  to  act  as  Secretary,  Do.  Alsentz  acted 
in  his  stead.  The  Secretary  [Do.  Alsentz]  however,  stated 
that  he,  together  with  Do.  Weyberg,  seemed  to  be  suspected 
of  writing  simply  his  o^vn  ideas,  and  that  this  suspicion 
would  disappear  if  he  w^ere  directed  to  transmit  the  author- 
ized copy,  from  wliicli  it  would  be  e\adent  that  nothing  was 
written  but  what  had  been  passed  upon  and  subscribed  to. 
He  further  stated:  "My  respect  for  the  Reverend  Fathers  is 
much  too  great  that  I  should  presume  to  entertain  them  with 
my  own  ideas  in  the  name  of  the  Rev.  Coetus.  Far  be  it 
from  me  ever  to  touch  my  pen,  if  I  should  awaken  thereby 
the  suspicion  of  giving  only  my  own  thoughts." 

SESSION  I.     3  P.  M. 

First,  a  question  was  put  by  the  Rev.  President  to  all  the 
ministers  and  elders  present,  concerning  the  external  and 
internal  condition  of  their  congregations.  To  this  it  was 
replied  that  externally  everything  was  in  good  order,  but 
internally  the  seed  was  not  yet  in  such  condition  as  to  promise 
a  full  harvest;  but  many  were  able  to  show  first  fruits. 

Art.  I.  With  regard  to  Do.  Zufall,  complaints  were  pre- 

*  He  was  now  suffering  from  shaking  palsy,  as  is  evident  from  his 
entries  in  various  church  records. 

(242) 


BE  COEDS  OF  1766.  2-13 

ferred  against  him  by  several  members  of  the  congregation 
at  Tiilpehocken.  But  by  a  reconciliation  everything  was 
peaceably  settled,  at  least  outwardly. 

Art.  II.  Two  delegates  appeared  from  Frederick  with  the 
request  that  they  might  again  have  Do.  Otterbein  as  their 
pastor..  Thereupon  it  was  resolved  that  Do.  Otterbein  should 
serve  them  according  to  his  ability,  but  that  they  must 
exercise  patience,  until  the  promised  two  or  three  new  min- 
isters should  arrive,  and  then  the  matter  could  be  decided  to 
their  best  advantage. 

Art.  III.  The  congregation  at  Canagetschick  [Conoco- 
cheague] ,  which  is  situated  three  English  miles  from  Frederick 
humbly  requests  through  us,  that  the  Reverend  Fathers  would 
call  a  faithful  candidate  for  them  and  send  him  over,  Hassel- 
bach  by  name,  residing  in  or  near  Siegen.  They  are  still 
living  in  poverty  and  in  the  wilderness.  They  greatly  need 
support,  and  have  good  reason  to  hope  that  this  man  will 
come  to  them  and  be  satisfied. 

Art,  IV.  Old  and  New.  Goshenhoppen,  as  well  as  Great 
Swamp,  have  dismissed  their  shoemaker,  Ries  by  name.  They 
earnestly  request  that  v/e  provide  them  with  a  minister.  Re- 
solved that  they  be  taken  under  the  care  of  Coetus,  and  that 
they  shall  have  one  of  the  first  new  ministers. 

Art.  V.  On  account  of  the  circumstances  and  necessities 
of  our  Pennsylvania  churches,  a  full  discussion  once  more 
took  place  about  our  privilege  to  examine  and  ordain  a  fit 
person  according  to  the  requirements  of  the  case.  Concern- 
ing this  it  v/as  resolved 

1.  That  we  repudiate  the  idea  of  an  intention  to  separate 
from  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

2.  That  we  repudiate  assuming  authority  higher  than  God 
and  the  order  of  the  church  have  given  us. 

3.  That  we  in  no  way  wish  or  desire,  nor  has  it  ever  been 
our  intention  to  be  offensive  in  word  or  conduct  towards  your 
Reverences.  Much  rather  we  take  delight  in  the  proper  use 
of  and  gratitude  for  such  deeds  of  kindness  as  have  been 
bestowed  upon  our  Zion  by  your  Reverences.  That  which  in 
previous  Minutes  may  have  been  the  cause  of  grief  and  in- 
dignation, is  not  so  much  to  be  ascribed  to  the  heart  as  to  our 


244  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

ignorance  of  the  Dutch  language,  in  which  we  cannot  very 
well  express  ourselves.  AYe  accordingly  ask  your  indulgence, 
which  we  hope  to  obtain  the  more  readily  since  our  con- 
sciences judge  and  declare  us  free  from  all  meanness,  in- 
tentional offensiveness  and  ingratitude.  Upon  these  pre- 
mises we  base  our  humble  request,  which,  we  flatter  our- 
selves, will  find  a  hearing  before  your  Reverences,  and  be 
granted,  namely,  that  we  have  permission  to  examine  and 
ordain  in  cases  of  necessity.  And  since  we  have  precedents  of 
this  in  the  time  of  Do.  Schlatter,  when  the  Reverend  Fathers 
approved  the  examination  and  ordination  of  Dos.  Tempelman 
and  Du  Bois,  we  doubt  the  less  that  we  shall  have  a  favor- 
able decision  inasmuch  as  we  have  no  other  object  than  to- 
gether with  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis  of  Amsterdam  to 
build  up  and  to  extend  our  Zion. 

Two  instances  will  explain  the  situation  more  fully. 

There  are  two  or  three  congregations  (the  principal  place  is 
Carlyl  [Carlisle],  a  new  city  and  congregation)  adjoining  the 
mountains,  which  are  situated  forty,  fifty  and  sixty  miles 
from  the  nearest  ministers.  These  people  seek  assistance, 
but  none  of  us  can  travel  thither,  unless  perhaps  once  a 
year.  They  dare  not  call  a  minister  from  Germany,  because 
they  are  too  poor  to  support  one.  A  person  [John  C. 
Bucher]  providentially  appeared,  made  willing  by  the  Lord 
to  serve  these  people,  who  devotes  himself  with  all  diligence 
to  learn  the  truth  and  to  expound  it  to  others,  and  is  also 
content  to  share  the  poverty  of  his  hearers.  Having  been 
organized  two,  three  or  four  years,  the  congregation  came 
before  the  Coetus,  with  the  request  to  examine  and  ordain 
this  man,  who  had  served  them  so  long.  Coetus  took  a  year 
to  consider  the  case,  in  order  to  investigate  more  fully  the 
character  and  conduct  of  this  person.  They  appear  again 
with  their  teacher,  and  for  the  second  time  make  the  same 
request.  What  shall  Coetus  do?  To  refuse  them  means  to 
keep  the  congregation  in  disorder.  To  send  him  to  Holland 
is  impracticable,  because  of  the  poverty  of  the  congregation, 
because  of  the  family  of  this  minister,  and  besides,  this  con- 
gregation would  have  to  be  fully  ten  months  without  re- 
ligious services.     We  await  a  favorable  decision  from  your 


BE  COEDS  OF  1766.      .  245 

Reverences   as   to   what   is   most    advantageous   under   such 
circumstances. 

We  add  another  instance.  There  is  a  congregation 
[Tohickon]  much  ruined  by  an  adventurer.*  The  good  ele- 
ment had  to  withdraw,  and  the  other  part  learned  at  last 
to  realize  its  mistake.  These  people  come  and  desire  aid 
from  Coetus  and  a  regular  minister.  They  cannot  raise  more 
than  thirty  pounds,  and  to  unite  the  congregation  with  others 
is  impracticable,  because  it  is  located  quite  out  of  the  way, 
and  the  nearest  congregation  is  still  under  the  influence  of 
the  adventurer.  We  cannot  call  a  minister,  because  of  the 
small  salary;  but  there  is  a  person,**  [John  C.  Gobrecht]  con- 
verted by  God's  Spirit,  who  has  a  good  knowledge  of 
theoretical  and  practical  theology,  is  able  to  explain  the  prin- 
ciples of  Holy  Scripture,  and  is  well  qualified  to  build  up 
a  congregation  through  his  example  and  preaching.  He  lived 
tw^o  years  with  a  minister  [J.  G.  Alsentz]  in  order  to  be 
better  qualified.  The  said  congregation  hears  this  man,  sees 
the  difference  between  a  sincere  and  well  instructed  man  and 
an  adventurer.  The  congregation  wants  to  call  that  person. 
He  wishes  to  accommodate  them,  but  not  without  order  of  the 
Coetus.  They  appear  before  Coetus  with  the  request  to  ex- 
amine and  ordain  him.  To  send  him  to  Holland  is  im- 
possible; the  candidate  dreads  the  sea  voj^age;  the  congre- 
gation cannot  wait  so  long,  since  the  adventurer,  who  resides 
in  the  vicinity,  still  has  and  seeks  adherents  in  the  congre- 
gation, by  which  course  new  confusion  and  division  would 
certainly  arise.  The  person  referred  to  above  and  his  quali- 
fications being  known  to  us  through  personal  contact  we  have 
the  best  prospect  of  saving  the  congregation.  What  should 
Coetus  in  this  case  be  allowed  to  do?  These  things  are  not 
a  fiction,  but  the  real  truth  and  nothing  but  the  truth.     These 

*  The  church  records  show  that  it  was  John  Egidius  Hecker. 

**  This  unnamed  person  must  be  John  C.  Gobrecht.  As  the  Minutes 
of  1767  show  (p.  258)  five  new  ministers  had  entered  our  church.  Three 
came  from  Europe  (Wittner,  Lange  and  Faber),  Bucher,  mentioned  in 
the  last  paragraph,  was  the  fourth,  and  Gobrecht  the  fifth.  He  was 
ordained  September  28,  1766.  See  Fathers  of  the  Eeformed  Church, 
Vol.  II,  p.  146. 


246  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

cases  confront  us.  Our  purpose  is  in  no  way  to  place  the 
Reverend  Fathers  in  the  background,  to  separate  ourselves,  to 
exalt  ourselves.  No,  we  are  well  content  %nth  the  state 
wherein  we  are;  except  that  our  hands  are  bound  too  tight 
to  labor  faithfully  for  the  Lord.  We  have  no  longing  to 
exercise  any  higher  authority,  but  to  be  of  service  to  our 
Lord  and  his  Kingdom.  We  banish  all  other  thoughts.  We 
only  wish  that  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  ]\Iaryland  and 
Virginia  were  as  intimately  known  to  the  Reverend  Fathers  as 
to  us.  In  that  case  we  should  not  have  any  disputes  in  our 
correspondence,  and  our  sincere  desires  would  be  fulfilled. 
But  the  care,  the  love,  the  zeal,  and  noble  gifts  of  the  Rev. 
Synods  and  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  cause  us  to  hope  for  a 
favorable  result  and  just  decision  for  our  churches. 

SESSION  n.    8  A.  M. 

I.  The  communication  from  the  Rev.  Synods,  which  came 
to  our  hands  safely  three  days  before  the  Coetus,  was  taken 
into  further  consideration,  in  answer  to  which  we  repeat 
in  the  first  place  that  we  wish  to  soften  all  harsh  expressions 
in  our  jMinutes  which  have  grieved  the  Reverend  Fathers,  and 
that  Ave  hope  all  suspicions  of  ingratitude  on  our  part  will  be 
far  removed. 

II.  Regarding  the  case  of  Do.  Stapel,  we  thought  we  had 
given  all  needed  information.  But  because  it  was  not  deemed 
sufficient,  we  remark  in  addition,  that  by  the  laying  down  of 
his  ministry,  by  his  contempt  of  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis 
and  Coetus,  and  by  his  complete  withdrawal  from  the  Coetus, 
he  has  increased  his  disgrace.  He  could  never  have  married 
again,  both  because  of  the  English  laws,  and  because  of  his 
conduct.  By  his  irregular  life  he  fell  into  consumption,  and 
in  the  month  of  March,  1766,  died.  Through  him  the  con- 
gregations ran  deeply  into  debt,  because  they  had  made 
promises  beyond  their  ability,  and  when  he  performed  his 
work  so  poorly,  many  became  unwilling  to  pay.  It  must  be 
added  that  he  made  the  congregation  pay  from  the  date  on 
which  his  call  was  signed  by  the  Rev.  Synods.  Thus  the 
four  places  are  vacant,  where  Do.  Stapel  was  located,  Am- 
well,  Rockaway,  Foxhill  and  Alexandria. 


BECOEDS  OF  1766.  247 

III.  Regarding  the  distribution  of  the  donations,  we  never 
expected  such  a  harsh  rebuke,  because 

a.  For  a  long  time  we  have  most  humbly  made  request  that 
the  Reverend  Fathers  would  be  pleased  to  make  the  dis- 
tribution themselves,  in  order  to  avoid  all  jealousies,  but 
received  no  decision  concerning  it.  Hence  we  continued  to 
divide  equally  as  nearly  as  it  was  possible. 

b.  It  seemed  to  us  unfair  that  Dos.  Stapel  and  Weyberg, 
who  expressly  at  our  recommendation,  were  called  on  50 
pounds  sterling,  amounting  to  550  fl.,  should  yet  have  equal 
portions  with  the  others  who  were  called  on  only  450  fl.,  which 
as  Do.  Stapel  showed  by  a  letter  from  a  Deputy  of  Synod, 
(was  your  decision).  And  he  insisted  so  strongly  that  we 
could  not  withstand  him.  We  know  that,  ^\dthout  the  do- 
nation he  had  received  125  pounds  annually  from  his  four 
congregations.  AYe  have,  each  of  us,  been  at  great  pains  to 
get  seventy-five  pounds  from  our  congregations  but  none  of 
us  have  been  able  to  succeed  in  this,  except  Dos.  Weyberg  and 
Du  Bois,  who  receive  more  than  that.  i\Iost  of  us  have  now 
reached  sixty  pounds  Pennsylvania  currency  and  it  will 
hardly  go  higher  during  the  next  five  years,  because  the 
times  are  bad.  How  could  we  mention  in  previous  years, 
when  we  were  trying  to  get  seventy-five  pounds,  what  was 
lacking  of  450  guilders,  and  make  that  up  from  donations? 
And  would  it  then  still  be  just  that  two  brethren  should  have 
equal  portions  with  the  others,  when  they  are  so  far  in  ad- 
vance of  the  others  in  call  and  salary;  would  not  that  make 
the  other  jealous  and  cause  contentions?  Hence  we  found 
it  most  advisable  to  abide  by  the  equal  distribution.*  Do. 
Weyberg  indeed  receives  150  pounds  (Penn.)  but  if  he  is  to 
live  there  (in  Philadelphia)  he  must  have  that  sum  as  well 
as  the  others  fifty  pounds  in  the  country.  For  house  rent 
costs  him  thirty  pounds  per  year ;  wood,  twelve  pounds,  which 
in  the  country  costs  nothing  at  all;  meat  four  to  six  stuivers, 
and  thus  in  all  other  articles.  Besides,  more  claims  are  made 
upon  ministers  in  cities  than  in  the  country.  It  is  the  same 
in  Germantown,  where  many  articles  are  often  dearer  than 

*  This  conclusion  is  rather  surprising,  but  it  is  an  accurate  translation 
of  the  originaL 


248  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVAXIA. 

iu  Philadelphia.  Hence  I  cau  trutlifuUy  say  (for  my  salary 
amounts  to  seventy  pounds  Penn.  yearly)  that  I  have  too 
little  to  live  on  and  too  much  to  die. 

As  regards  the  widow  of  Do.  Steiner,  we  may  have  gone 
too  far  in  her  case,  but  he  who  has  read  Luke  xi.  5-8, 
Luke  xviii.  1-5  will  not  find  fault  with  us.  For  it  was  im- 
possible for  us  to  take  revenge  upon  her  on  account  of  her 
husband,  considering  her  great  poverty,  her  constant  visits 
and  importunity.  We  felt  compelled  to  look  more  upon 
her  need  than  upon  the  worthiness  of  the  case. 

IV.  Regarding  Do.  Gros,  we  must  freely  say,  that  to  our 
best  knowledge  and  conscience,  he  is  as  upright  a  man  and 
as  competent,  diligent  a  person  as  can  be  desired.  He  has 
labored  with  so  much  zeal  and  diligence  in  his  four  congre- 
gations, where  many  new  ministers  would  not  have  wanted  to 
locate  by  reason  of  the  woods,  rocks,  water,  and  the  rude- 
ness of  the  people,  that  he  has  not  only  won  the  love  and 
esteem  of  his  congregations  in  particular,  but  has  secured 
the  friendship  and  commendation  of  all  who  know  him.  He 
declares  herewith  that  if  there  is  any  other  offense  of  which 
he  is  guilty  than  the  one  which  he  confessed  with  sorrow 
immediately  on  his  arrival  iu  this  country,  he  is  Avilling  to 
undergo  all  censures  which  could  possibly  be  decreed.  Dare 
we  for  this  reason  put  a  man  away  from  us  ?  Dare  we  plunge 
four  or  five  congregations,  which  he  has  brought  into  the 
best  order  and  which  have  a  high  esteem  for  him,  once  more 
into  greater  confusion  than  they  ever  were  in  before?  And 
especially  here,  where  people  look  more  upon  what  a  man  is 
than  what  he  has  been?  He  was  from  the  beginning  very 
humble,  willing,  active,  well  versed  in  all  sciences  and 
languages ;  he  was  with  four  poor,  ruined  congregations,  which 
were  almost  completely  broken  up  by  Indians  and  adven- 
turers. We  are  willing  to  leave  that  to  the  further  investiga- 
tion and  judgment  of  the  Reverend  Fathers  whether  we  have 
now  acted  improperly,  in  that  we  have  given  to  him  a  brotherly 
share  of  the  donations.  We  were  convinced  in  our  hearts 
that  the  Reverend  Fathers  would  rather  help  support  such  a 
man  than  leave  him  starve. 

The  state  of  our  churches  is  as  follows: 


BE  COEDS  OF  1766.  249 

Philadelphia,  Weyberg's  congregation,  lias  about  145  fami- 
lies ;  up  to  the  month  of  September,  he  baptized  85 ;  members 
received  50;  the  school  consists  of  90-100  children, 

Germantoicn,  where  the  writer  of  this  has  now  been  nine 
years,  has,  counting  removals  and  additions,  still  90  families ; 
32  children  of  the  congregation  have  been  baptized;  40  were 
received  as  members;  about  80  children  attend  the  schools. 

Witpen  and  Worcester,  two  small  congregations  ten  and* 
fifteen  miles  from  Germantown,  are  under  my  care ;  they  con- 
sist of  about  40  families.  The  one  has  now,  near  by  the 
church,  a  new  schoolhouse  and  a  teacher;  but  the  other  con- 
gregation, Witpen,  is  so  much  scattered  that  it  could  not  well 
keep  a  teacher.     Yet  one  was  employed  up  to  last  May. 

At  Xeiu  Hanover  (otherwise  Falkner  Swamp)  and  Vincent, 
Do.  Pomp  is  located.  In  the  first  congregation  there  are 
about  100  families  or  200  members;  in  Vincent  30  families 
or  100  members.  In  both  congregations  are  good  schools 
and  teachers. 

At  East  on.  Dr.  Henop  has  27  families,  he  baptized  17 
children,  7  attend  school.  At  Greenwich  he  has  40  families ; 
36  children  baptized;  8  admitted  as  members;  32  in  school. 
At  Plainfield  he  has  24  families;  14  children  baptized;  23 
received  as  members;  32  at  school.  At  Dryland  there  are  33 
families;  13  children  baptized;  36  received  as  members;  36 
in  school. 

Do.  Waldschmidt  baptized  in  his  congregations  on  the 
Cacusy  and  at  Bern  and  in  the  neighborhood,  30  cliildren; 
received  23  as  members;  55  children  in  the  schools. 

Do.  Leydich  seems  to  have  recovered,  and  ministers  to 
three  congregations,  at  Providence,  Upper  Milford,  and  across 
the  Schuylkill.*  In  the  first  he  has  11,  in  the  second  48,  in 
the  third  51  families;  a  total  of  250  members;  he  received 
52  as  members;  baptized  79;  schools  irregmlar. 

Do.  Gros  has  four  regular  and  two  irregular  congregations. 
At  Allentown  34  families;  9  members  received;  18  baptized; 
Egypt  31  families;  12  members  received;  7  baptized;  at 
Schlosser's  23  families;  9  members  received;  9  baptized;  and 

*  This  congregation  was  Coventry,  now  BroTmback's,  where  Levdieh's 
ministry  began  in  Mav,  1766.     His  first  baptism  is  dated  May  19,  1766. 


250  COETVS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

across  the  Jordan  17  families;  12  members  received;  12  bap- 
tized. 

The  Treshachcr  and  Lynn  congregations  embrace  about  30 
families,  whom  he  serves  on  week-days. 

Do.  Du  Bais  is  still  at  North  and  Southampton,  but  his 
report  seems  to  have  been  lost  in  the  transmission  hither. 

Do.  Otterhein  is  in  the  city  of  York,  near  which  there  are 
also  two  other  small  congregations.  We  have  not  yet  re- 
ceived further  information. 

Do.  Berger  at  Reading  has  about  140  families;  in  the  first 
year  he  baptized  about  60  children;  received  21  as  members; 
40  to  50  at  school. 

Do.  Hendel  at  Lancaster  has  105  families;  baptized  from 
May,  1765  to  September,  1766,  107  children;  received  as 
members  40;  at  school  are  50  to  60  children.  Besides  he 
supplies  a  church  on  the  Pequea  and  Conestoga.  Has  also 
preached  in  Tulpehocken,  Swatara,  Lebanon,  Muddy  Creek, 
Cocalico,  York,  Baltimore,  Frederick;  in  Virginia  at  Win- 
chester, Shepensburg  [Stephensburg?],  Stony  Creek,  Stauf- 
ferstown  [Strasburg],  Woodstock,  Schanador  [Shenandoah] 
and  Messenutten  [Massanutten]. 

Do.  Zufall  has  four  congregations,  at  Tulpehocken,  Muhl- 
bach,  near  Lebanon,  and  Swatara.  His  report  has  not  yet 
been  received. 

We  add  the  remark  that  in  the  counti-y  the  schools  begin 
with  tlie  winter  and  stop  A^dth  summer,  and  therefore  no 
certain  account  can  be  given  of  them.  The  minister  cannot 
do  all  that  he  wishes  in  this  respect,  because  the  people  are 
too  much  scattered. 

We  submit  further  the  great  need  of  the  vacant  congre- 
gations: Baltimore  desires  a  minister;  Virginia,  one;  Am- 
well,  Rockaway  and  Foxhill  also;  besides  the  said  Conoco- 
cheague.  We  cannot  do  otherwise  than  humbly  recommend 
these  congregations  ,to  the  care  of  the  Reverend  Fathers ;  and 
your  fidelity  causes  us  to  hope  that  these  abandoned  sheep 
may  yet  be  provided  for. 

Regarding  our  salaries  we  must  mention  that  Dos.  Wey- 
berg  and  Du  Bois  received  in  full  what  was  promised,  i.  e. 
75  pounds.  But  the  others  have  to  struggle  along.  We  had 
indeed  supposed  we  would  get  a  suitable  increase,  but  it  has 


EECOBDS  OF  1766.  251 

not  yet  been  realized.  The  great  nnmber  of  the  poor,  the 
scarcity  of  money,  the  cessation  of  trade  on  account  of  the 
Stamp  Act,  have  throAvn  everybody  back,  so  that  most  of 
the  ministers  fall  short  of  what  they  expected,  for  people 
cannot  give  as  much  as  before  they  thought  of  doing.  ]\Iost 
of  the  congregations  therefore  have  need  of  support  in  order 
to  pay  the  ministers.  It  will  be  hard  for  them;  and  of  their 
ability  to  meet  all  expenses,  nothing  very  pleasant  can  be 
written. 

Regarding  Do.  Berger  at  Reading,  the  case  is  as  follows: 
The  congregation  promised  us  to  do  all  that  they  could,  and 
when  Do.  Berger  had  been  there  four  weeks  he  would  not 
change,  but  preferred  to  see  how  things  would  go.  It  was 
his  own  fault  that  he  obtained  no  better  place,  and  to  force 
him  to  leave  on  account  of  the  salary,  would  have  caused 
trouble  for  us.  He  is  well  content  there,  as  is  also  the  con- 
gregation; but  he  complains  that  he  needs  twelve  pounds 
more  to  be  able  to  live  there.  Do.  Pomp  at  New  Hanover, 
says  the  same,  so  that  a  fountain  of  charity  might  well  be 
opened  by  the  Reverend  Fathers.  Most  of  us  are  in  need  of 
this  fountain  of  refreshment  and  ask  for  it  according  to  the 
judgment  and  apportionment  of  the  Reverend  Fathers. 

The  account  of  the  distribution  of  the  6-1  pounds  5  shillings 
is  as  follows :  Do.  Bartholomaeus  last  year  cost  us  31  pounds 
9  shillings,  the  "Widow  Dorsius  5  pounds,  widow  jMuentz  2 
pounds,  8  school-masters  and  a  poor  congregation  each  2  and 
3  pounds,  together  33  pounds;  total  64  pounds  9  shillings. 

We  ask,  calling  the  Lord  to  witness  as  we  kneel  do^ni  be- 
fore him,  that  he  may  faithfully  preserve  your  reverend 
persons,  families,  churches,  and  country.  May  he  quicken 
3^ou  with  heavenly  blessing  in  body  and  soul,  may  he  prepare 
you  unto  his  honor,  praise  and  glory. 

Next  to  our  Supreme  Lord  Ave  place  ourselves  under  your 
excellent  fatherly  care  and  love,  Avith  all  esteem  and  humility, 
and  we  remain  always 

Your  Reverences',  our  Highly  Learned  Sirs  and  Fathers 
in  Christ, 

Most  dutiful  and  submissive  servants, 

By  order  and  the  name  of  all 

(Seal)  J.  Geo.  Ajlsentz. 


MINUTES  OF  THE   COETUS  OF  1767. 
(Hague  92,  B.  87.) 

MINUTES  OP  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,  HELD  IN  L.VNCASTER, 
SEPTEMBER   16   AND   17,   OF  THE  YEAR   1767. 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned,  Highly  Esteemed  Sirs  and 

Fathers: 

AVe  have  the  honor  and  the  pleasure  to  submit  to  your 
Reverences  the  Minutes  of  our  last  Coetus. 

The  ministers  present  at  this  meeting  are  the  follo'\\dng: 

Du  Bois  (President),  Hendel  (Secretary),  Leydich,  Otter- 
bein,  Waldschmidt,  Gros,  Henop,  Pomp,  Berger,  Lange, 
Wittner,  Faber,  Bucher,  Gobrecht. 

The  Coetus  was  opened  in  the  church  in  Lancaster,  with  a 
sermon  on  John  x.  2-5,  by  Do.  Otterbein,  since  Do.  Du  Bois 
has  not  mastered  the  German  language.  Dos.  Alsentz  and 
Weyberg  were  absent  by  reason  of  severe  sickness. 

We  trust  that  the  Reverend  Fathers  will  excuse  us  if  we 
transmit  these  Minutes  in  the  same  language  in  which  every- 
thing in  this  meeting  was  discussed  and  recorded,  since  neither 
the  writer  of  this  nor  the  majority  of  the  ministers  are  able 
to  use  the  Dutch  language. 

SESSION   I.      2  P.  M. 

Art.I.  In  the  first  place,  a  question  was  put  by  the  Rev. 
President  to  all  the  ministers  and  elders  concerning  the  con- 
dition of  their  congregations.  The  same  was  answered  by 
most  of  them  that  judging  externally  they  were  in  a  peaceful 
condition,  and  in  many  places  the  labor  of  the  pastors  was 
attended  vnth  blessing.  A  complaint  was  brought  in  against 
Do.  Berger,  but  it  was  peaceably  settled. 

Art.  II.  Against  Do.  Zufall  a  number  of  complaints  were 
again  brought  forward  during  the  last  year  about  his  ex- 
cessive drinking,  and  hjs  consequent  inability  to  perform  his 
duty  in  a  proper  manner.  The  matter  was  investigated  on 
July  6th  of  the  current  year  at  Tulpehocken,  by  Do.  Otter- 
bein  (President),  and  Do.  Hendel   (Secretary),  and  found 

(252) 


EECOEDS  OF  1767.  253 

to  be  in  fact  as  represented.  But  even  before  this  could  be 
reported  to  Coetus,  and  a  resolution  be  adopted  concerning 
him,  Zufall  allowed  himself  to  be  called  to  Philadelphia,  to 
serve  the  congregation  which  separated  violently  about  six 
years  ago  from  the  orderly  congregation,  of  which  Do.  AYey- 
berg  is  pastor,  and  called  a  Swiss  by  the  name  of  Rothen- 
buhler  to  be  their  minister,  but  who  died  over  a  year  and  a 
half  ago.  Do.  Zufall 's  departure  was  fixed  for  the  time  when 
Coetus  was  in  session,  therefore  he  did  not  appear;  but  it 
was  unanimously  resolved :  That  Do.  Zufall,  on  account  of  his 
intemperate  habits  and  the  acceptance  of  a  call  to  a  quarrel- 
some congregation  which  has  never  belonged  to  Coetus,  can 
no  longer  be  regarded  as  a  member  of  Coetus,  but  is  here- 
with excluded  from  the  same  totally  and  for  all  time.  This 
resolution  was  conveyed  to  him  in  writing. 

Art.  III.  Thereupon  the  elders  of  the  congregations,  which 
Do.  Zufall  had  served,  appeared  and  requested  that  they  might 
again  be  provided,  as  soon  as  possible,  with  another  minister, 
since  much  offense  had  been  caused  by  Do.  Zufall  and  it 
was  to  be  feared  that  these  congregations  might  be  scattered. 
The  congregations  which  he  has  served  are  Tulpehocken, 
Muhlbach,  Kaemmerling,  and  Bethel. 

Art.  lY.  A  communication  was  also  received  from  six  or 
seven  deserted  congregations  in  Yirginia,  which  set  forth 
their  sad  and  sliepherdless  condition  in  a  touching  manner, 
as  follows :  that  partly  by  adventurers,  partly  by  a  variety  of 
sects,  they  have  hitherto  been  disturbed  and  scattered;  they 
beg  earnestly  for  instant  aid,  lest  they  should  go  to  pieces 
altogether.  We  can  do  no  more  than  commend  all  these 
sliepherdless  congregations  to  the  wise  and  kind  care  of  the 
Reverend  Fathers,  in  the  hope  that  they,  as  has  hitherto  hap- 
pened in  the  case  of  Pennsylvania,  may  be  accepted  by  you 
and  be  shown  your  fatherly  love. 

SESSION  n. 

September  ITth^  9  A.  M. 
Art.  I.  Numerous  complaints  have  come  in  from  Do.  Otter- 
bein,  Do.  Lange,  and  the  congregation  in  Frederick.     The 
circumstances  of  the  case  are  as  follows: 


254  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

AYlien  Do.  Otterbein  left  Frederick  for  York,  the  congre- 
gation was  without  a  minister  for  a  whole  year.  Hence,  some- 
times on  Sunday,  some  members  of  the  congregation  would 
come  together,  when  one  of  them  would  read  from  the  Bible, 
or  from  a  book  of  sermons,  or  they  entertained  each  other 
with  religious  conversation,  also  sometimes  sang  a  psalm  or 
hjTun,  and  prayed.  Other  members  of  the  congregation  did 
nothing  of  this  sort,  but  commenced  to  speak  evil  of  them. 
Thus  matters  stood  when  Do.  Lange  came  there.  And  al- 
though information  of  this  had  been  given  to  him,  never- 
theless as  soon  as  he  settled  in  the  congregation  he  allowed 
himself  to  be  won  over  by  those  who  had  despised  and  slan- 
dered these  gatherings.  On  this  account  he  was  accused 
before  Coetus  by  many  membere  of  the  congregation  that  in 
public  and  private  he  had  u^ed  all  manner  of  improper  and 
contemptuous  words  against  those  who  had  attended  these 
gatherings,  and  had  also  accused  them  of  sectarianism,  with- 
out furnishing  any  proofs  of  it.  For  this  reason  they  no 
longer  attended  his  preaching.  Further,  they  accused  him 
of  ha\nng  uttered  thoughtless  words  about  divine  things. 
Some  time  thereafter  while  Do.  Lange  was  in  Frederick,  Do. 
Otterbein  came  there  on  private  business,  and  preached  on  a 
certain  Sunday  in  that  place.  But  after^vards  Do.  Lange 
forbade  him  the  pulpit,  telling  him  that  in  the  future,  if  he 
should  come  there,  he  should  not  again  preach  in  the  church. 
He  had  all  kinds  of  charges  against  Do.  Otterbein 's  sermons. 
He  accused  him  of  despising  religion,  the  sacraments,  and 
ministers,  and  also  of  causing  division  in  his  congregation. 
He  appealed  in  general  as  a  proof  of  his  charges  to  the 
sermon  which  Do.  Otterbein  had  preached  the  day  before 
at  the  opening  of  Coetus.  Do.  Otterbein  replied  to  all  these 
charges  which  Do.  Lange  had  brought  against  him,  and  de- 
clared himself  orthodox  in  every  respect;  and  liis  sermon, 
since  all  the  ministers  present  had  listened  to  it.  he  left  to 
their  judgment. 

After  everything  had  been  fully  laid  before  us,  Dos.  Lange 
and  Otterbein  both  left,  and  after  all  the  circumstances  had 
been  carefully  investigated  this  resolution  was  adopted : 

a.  That  neither  in  general  as  to  doctrine,  nor  in  particular 


BECOEDS  OF  1767.  255 

in  the  sermon  which  Do.  Otterbein  preached  at  the  opening 
of  Coetus  does  there  appear  any  contempt  of  religion,  the 
sacraments,  or  the  ministers.  Neither  can  the  division  in  the 
congregation  be  laid  to  his  charge. 

b.  That  it  is  not  against  the  teachings  of  our  church,  when 
people  sometimes  come  together  to  pray  and  read  God 's  Word. 

c.  That  no  congregation  belonging  to  this  Coetus  has  any 
right  on  its  own  authority,  to  forbid  the  pulpit  to  a  member 
of  this  Coetus,  without  the  knowledge  of  the  Coetus  and 
its  permission. 

d.  That  Do.  Lange  as  soon  as  possible  be  removed  to  another 
congregation,  and  that  whenever  the  members  of  the  congre- 
gation at  Frederick  shall  have  become  reconciled  to  each 
other,  they  shall  again  be  provided  with  another  minister ;  and 
in  case  they  call  a  member  of  Coetus,  he  may  accept  this 
call  with  the  approval  of  Coetus. 

c.  That  Do.  Lange,  with  reference  to  the  thoughtless  words 
which  he  uttered  in  regard  to  divine  things,  shall  make  a 
confession  of  the  error  he  committed ;  which  he  has  also  done. 

Finally  it  was  resolved  that  Mr.  Lange,  by  reason  of  this 
confession  and  a  promise  to  mend  his  ways,  be  still  regarded 
as  a  member  of  Coetus,  until  such  further  witness  should  be 
borne  against  him. 

Art.  2.  The  congregations  in  Philadelphia  and  Germantown 
request  that  during  the  illness  of  their  pastors,  they  may  be 
supplied  by  the  brethren  from  time  to  time;  and  therefore 
it  was  resolved  that  Dos.  Du  Bois,  Pomp,  Faber,  and  Gobrecht 
shall  visit  them  in  turn. 

SESSION  III.     2  o'clock  p.  m. 

At  this  hour  Do.  J.  Leydt  as  delegate  from  the  Rev.  Coetus 
of  New  Jersey  and  Nevs^  York  appeared  before  this  meeting, 
with  a  communication  in  which  the  aforesaid  Coetus  pro- 
poses, ''  That  for  the  extension  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  this 
hemisphere,  it  would  not  be  unserviceable,  but  much  rather 
useful  and  advantageous,  to  seek  more  fellowship  -vvith  the 
Coetus  of  Pennsylvania." 

Do.  J.  Leydt  also  verbally  declared  that  they  had  obtained 
the  privilege  of  erecting  a  college  in  New  Jersey  with  the 


256  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

view  of  preparing  young  men  for  the  ministiy  of  the  church 
and  requesting  that  therefore  they  be  supported  and  aided 
so  far  as  possible.  This  matter  was  fully  discussed,  and  all 
the  circumstances  of  the  case  Avere  carefully  investigated  and 
considered  and  it  was  finally  resolved: 

That,  since  we  live  very  close  to  each  other  and  moreover 
both  have  one  and  the  same  calling,  which  is  to  labor  with  all 
our  strength  and  faculties  for  the  upbuilding  of  Zion,  lest, 
by  reason  of  the  numerous  sects  of  all  sorts  and  the  increase 
of  other  churches,  our  ow^n  church  be  enfeebled:  therefore 
it  would  be  of  service  to  accept  the  proffered  friendship  and 
to  enter  into  a  closer  fellowship  with  each  other;  but  \\dth 
this  understanding,  that  our  natural  union  AAdth  the  Reverend 
Fathers  be  not  in  the  least  weakened,  much  less  in  any  way 
disturbed. 

Regarding  the  erection  of  a  College,  we  can  still  less  re- 
fuse to  aid  them  in  this  enterprise,  as  much  as  lies  within 
our  power,  since  we  have  for  a  long  time  already  perceived 
the  usefulness  of  and  necessity  for  such  an  institution;  as 
it  would  be  much  better  if  we  could  sometimes  educate  a 
capable  person  here  in  this  country,  thereby  sooner  to  be  in 
a  condition  to  help  the  poor,  lonely,  and  widel}^  separated  con- 
gregations, and  not  be  compelled,  at  the  cost  of  the  Reverend 
Fathers,  to  have  all  our  ministers  come  from  Germany;  the 
more  so  because  their  fatherly  faithfulness  and  care  for  the 
Pennsylvania  churches  frequently  does  not  reach  its  aim, 
since  by  some  more  damage  than  good  has  been  done,  as  the 
examples  of  Stapel  and  Zufall  plainly  prove.  We  trust  that  the 
Reverend  Fathers  will  not  disapprove  of  our  action  regarding 
this,  nor  interpret  it  in  such  a  way,  as  if  the  same  had  for 
its  object  a  separation  from  them,  for  this  is  by  no  means  our 
aim.  The  Reverend  Fathers  will  see  its  usefulness,  if  they  care- 
fully consider  the  condition  of  the  American  Churches,  and 
compare  it  with  the  condition  of  the  country;  and  es- 
pecially will  our  conduct  in  the  future  convince  them  of  the 
sincerity  of  our  intentions. 

In  particular  do  we  ask  for  your  approval  and  fatherly 
support  in  the  erection  of  a  College,  since  this  as  a  nursery 
and  training  school  for  the  establishment  of  our  church  in 


EECOBDS  OF  1767.  257 

this  hemispliere,  is  very  necessary,  and  its  usefulness  will 
abundantly  appear  in  the  future,  as  experience  has  already 
taught  for  several  centuries  in  Europe. 

Finally  it  was  resolved  that  our  next  meeting  of  Coetus 
be  held  in  Easton,  where  Do.  Henop  is  located,  on  September 
7,  1768. 

The  state  of  our  churches,  and  the  location  of  the  ministers, 
are  as  follows: 

In  Philadelphia,  where  Do.  "Weyberg  is  located,  there  are 
about  150  heads  of  families;  about  100  children  attend  the 
school,  and  101  have  been  baptized. 

In  Lancaster,  where  the  writer  of  this  is  located,  there  are 
about  110  families ;  between  60-70  children  attend  the  school ; 
76  were  baptized;  20  received  into  the  church. 

In  New  Hanover  or  Falkner  Swamp,  Do.  Pomp  is  located. 
He  has  115  families ;  48  were  baptized ;  20  confirmed ;  he  also 
has  a  school  throughout  the  whole  year. 

In  Vincent  he  has  40  families;  baptized  24;  there  is  only 
a  winter  school. 

In  York,  where  Do.  Otterbein  is  located,  there  are  50  fami- 
lies; 26  were  baptized;  about  40  children  in  the  school.  Be- 
sides this  he  serves  two  other  congregations,  one  at  Paradise 
and  another  at  Kreutz  Creek. 

Do.  Henop  has  28  members  at  Easton;  16  children  are  in 
the  school,  and  21  were  baptized.  In  Plainfield  he  has  24 
families;  11  children  in  the  school;  24  confirmed,  and  10 
baptized.  At  Dryland  he  has  41  members,  and  13  were 
baptized.  In  Greenwich  there  are  24  families;  34  were  bap- 
tized, and  7  confirmed. 

These  are  the  reports  sent  in  up  to  this  time,  many  being 
delayed  on  account  of  the  bad  weather  and  lack  of  opportun- 
ity to  send  them. 

The  congregations  served  by  each  minister  follow : 

Do.  Leydich  serves  Providence,  Upper  Milford,  and  one 
across  the  Schuylkill. 

Do.  Waldschmidt  serves  Cacusi  and  Bern. 

Do.  Gros  serves  AUentown,  Egypt,   Schlosser's  congrega- 
tion, and  one  across  the  Jordan. 
17 


258  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Do.  Berger  has  Reading  and  Meden  Creek  [Muddy  Creek].* 

Do.  Faber  serves  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen,  and  Great 
Swamp.*  * 

Do.  Lange  is  at  Frederick. 

Do.  Wittner  lias  Cocalico,  Muddy  Creek,  Seltenreicli  and 
Reyer's  church. 

Do.  Bucher  serves  Carlisle,  Donegal,  Lebanon  and  Ma}1:own. 

Do.  Gohrecht  has  charge  of  Tohickon,  and  surrounding 
district. 

As  regards  the  general  condition  of  the  schools,  there  are 
in  the  cities  alone,  and  in  few  places  in  the  country,  such 
schools  as  are  kept  all  the  year  round;  in  most  places  there 
are  only  ^\dnte^-schools,  and  in  many  places  none  at  all. 

In  reference  to  the  salaries,  sufficient  information  has 
already  been  given  concerning  them  to  the  Reverend  Fathers, 
namely,  that  there  are  but  very  few  who  have  a  full  salary. 
Others  lack  more  or  less  on  account  of  the  poverty  of  the 
congregations,  and  the  manifold  outlays  for  churches  and 
other  public  buildings.  Therefore  help  is  very  necessary  to 
lighten  the  burdens  of  the  congregations,  and  to  support 
in  some  measure  the  ministers. 

"We  all  pray  that  the  infinite  Jehovah  may  pour  out  the 
streams  of  his  blessings  upon  your  reverend  persons,  families, 
churches,  and  land,  may  give  you  his  fatherly  protection  by 
his  great  power,  and  by  his  grace  prepare  you  for  eternal 
glory  and  the  praise  of  his  name. 

We  commend  ourselves  and  our  churches  to  your  fatherly 
care  and  love,  and  remain,  with  all  esteem, 

Your  Reverences',  our  very  Learned  Sirs,  and  Fathers  in 
Christ, 

*  The  statement  that  both  Berger  and  Wittner  served  Muddy  Creek 
can  be  reconciled.  The  church  records  show  that  Berger  served  from 
1764-1766,  while  the  ministry  of  Wittner  began  in  October,  1766. 

**  It  ought  to  have  been  stated  that  Faber,  Lange  and  Wittner  were 
new  arrivals.  Faber  began  his  ministry  in  Goshenhoppen  in  November, 
1766,  and  Wittner  at  Cocalico  in  October,  1766,  as  shown  by  the  church 
records.     Lange  began  in  Frederick  about  the  same  time. 


BECOEDS  OF  1767. 
Dutiful  and  obedient  servants, 


259 


Ministers. 
Jonathan  Du  Bois,  Pres.  p.  t., 
W.  Hendel,  Sec.  p.  t., 
W.  Otteebein, 
J.  P.  Leydich, 
J.  Waldschmidt, 
D.  Gros, 

N.  Pomp,  : 

F.  L.  Henop, 

F.  J.  Berger, 
C.  Lange, 

G.  WiTTNER, 

J.  Th.  Faber, 
Conrad  Bucher, 
Chr.  Gobrecht. 


Elders. 
Paul  Balliet, 
Adam  Haag, 
LIatthew  Seiler, 
Kraft  Huener, 
George  Steeg, 
William  Cornel, 
George  Wack, 
Balthasar  S chafer, 
William  Bosch, 
Peter  Becker, 
Jacob  Schuster, 
John  Dcerr, 
ESxViAS  Carl, 
John  Nehman. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1768. 
(Hague  92,  B.  89.) 

MINUTES   OF   THE   COETUS   OF  PENNSYLVANIA,   HELD   IN    EASTON, 
THE   7,   8   AND   9   OF   SEPTEMBER,   1768. 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned  Sirs,  Highly  Esteemed  Fathers 

in   Christ: 

We  have  the  honor  and  pleasure  to  submit  to  your  Rever- 
ences, the  Minutes  of  our  Coetus,  and  commend  them  to  your 
Reverences'  favor. 

There  are  present  at  the  meeting:  Dos.  Ilendel,  (President), 
Leydich,  Henop,  Pomp,  Wittner,  Bucher,  Gobrecht,  Daliker 
and  Gros,  Sec.  p.  t.  The  absent  are :  Dos.  Du  Bois,  on  account 
of  siclaiess,  Weyberg,  on  account  of  the  illness  of  his  ^vife, 
Waldschmidt,  for  the  same  reason,  Otterbein,  on  account  of 
the  death  of  his  wife.  Lange  has  left  the  place  of  his  min- 
istry at  Frederick,  and  so  far  as  we  knoAV  has  settled  in 
Virginia ;  his  charge  and  residence  are  not  yet  known.  Berger 
was  not  admitted  on  account  of  his  suspension,  concerning 
which  he  received  the  necessary  notification  before  the  meet- 
ing began.  The  detailed  circumstances  will  be  given  later 
in  session  two,  article  three. 

The  Coetus  was  opened  with  a  sermon  on  Luke  xiv.  23, 
preached  by  Do.  Hendel,  in  the  Court  House,  since  there  is 
no  church  in  Easton.  The  sessions  were  held  in  a  suitable 
private  house. 

SESSION  I.     2  p.  M. 

Art.  1.  The  first  to  which  the  Rev.  President  directed  his 
attention  had  reference  to  the  purpose  and  the  result  of  the 
efforts  of  our  ministry.  Accordingly  all  the  ministers  and 
elders  present  were  asked  after  the  external  condition  of 
their  respective  congregations.  To  this  question  most  of  the 
ministers  replied,  that  everything  was  quiet  and  in  good 
order,  and  the  delegated  elders  confirmed  the  same  A^dth 
written  statements,  signed  by  the  congregations.  The  in- 
(juiry  concerning  Dos.   Hendel  and  Wittner,  and  their  re- 

(260) 


BECOEDS  OF  1768.  261 

spective  congregations,  where  this  peace  seemed  to  be  dis- 
turbed, was  postponed  to  a  more  convenient  time. 

The  second  question  related  more  to  the  ministers,  con- 
cerning the  fruit  of  their  labors.  From  their  replies  it 
appeared,  that  in  this  respect  also  a  marked  growth  was 
noticeable  from  time  to  time;  although  with  regard  to  the 
masses  the  watchmen  of  Zion  had  great  cause  to  lift  up  their 
voices  in  lamentation. 

Art.  2.  A  delegate  from  the  congregation  in  GermantowTi, 
which  place  had  become  vacant  by  the  death  of  Do.  Alsentz, 
requested  that  the  congregation  in  Germantown,  hitherto 
having  been  united  with  Witpen  and  Worcester  might  be 
separated  and  be  provided  with  a  pastor  of  its  own. 

Whereupon  it  was  unanimously  resolved  that  the  request 
of  the  GermantowTi  people  could  not  as  yet  be  granted,  on 
account  of  the  lack  of  ministers,  and  that  they  shall  be 
jointly  served  in  the  same  manner  as  by  Do.  Alsentz.  This 
decision  was  immediately  communicated  to  the  congregation 
in  writing  in  the  name  of  the  Coetus. 

Art.  3.  A  delegated  elder  of  Frederick  complained  that 
the  congregation  there,  during  the  pastorate  and  through  the 
fault  of  Do.  Lange  had  been  brought  into  great  confusion, 
and  by  his  departure  had  become  vacant,  and  that  for  this 
reason  a  unanimous  desire  was  prevalent  among  the  members 
for  a  prudent  and  faithful  pastor. 

Resolved,  that  a  communication  be  sent  to  the  congrega- 
tion in  which  they  are  to  be  admonished  to  maintain  peace 
and  good  order  among  themselves  and  to  be  comforted  with 
the  assurance  that  they  will  be  recommended  most  urgently 
to  your  fatherly  care.  Mr.  Bucher  was  also  sent  thither  to 
assist  in  securing  this  object,  and  to  report  to  Coetus,  but 
up  to  the  present  time  no  report  has  been  sent  in. 

Art.  4.  Two  deputies  from  Tulpehocken,  Kaemerling, 
Muhlbach  and  Bethel  brought  in  renewed  complaints  con- 
cerning the  deserted  condition  of  these  congregations.  They 
look  upon  Do.  Henop  as  a  person,  through  whom  these  com- 
plaints might  be  removed ;  to  this  end  they  actually  extended 
a  formal  call  to  him,  and  requested  that  the  same  might  be 
approved  and  confirmed  by  Coetus. 


262  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Hesolved,  that  the  distressing  state  of  these  churches  de- 
serves to  be  taken  to  heart,  and  that  every  measure  should  be 
taken  to  heal  if  possible  the  breach  so  wantonly  made  by 
Mr.  Zufall.  It  was  also  deemed  necessary  to  provide  these 
congregations  with  an  experienced  man,  acquainted  with  the 
government  of  the  country,  and  for  this  reason  the  call  was 
approved.  But  whereas  the  congregations  of  Easton,  Green- 
wich, Dryland  and  Plainfield  opposed  this  strenuously,  it 
was  left  to  the  decision  of  Mr.  Henop  whether  and  when 
he  would  actually  accept  this  call. 

Art.  5.  Dos.  Leydt,  Hardenberg  and  Van  Harlingen,  dele- 
gated ministers  from  the  Rev.  Coetus  of  New  York  and  New 
Jersey,  appeared  empowered  by  the  whole  Coetus,  both  to 
bring  about  a  union  between  us  and  them  for  the  best  inter- 
ests of  the  churches,  and  to  consult  with  us  about  a  united 
delegation  to  Europe  to  the  Christian  SjTiods. 

SESSION  II.    8  o'clock  a.  m. 

September  8th. 
Art.  1.  After  the  proposal  of  the  reverend  delegates  had 
been  fully  discussed  in  a  private  session,  held  on  September 
7th,  from  9  P.  M.  to  12  o'clock  mid-night,  the  opinions  of  the 
ministers  were  made  known  to  the  elders  in  an  open  session 
of  the  Coetus.  It  was  resolved,  with  the  approval  of  all,  im- 
mediately to  order  the  Secretary  of  Coetus  to  make  the  fol- 
lowing reply  in  writing: 

a.  That  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania  considers  a  closer  ac- 
quaintance with  the  Rev.  Coetus  of  New  York  and  New 
Jersey  as  of  great  service  for  the  advancement  of  the  Re- 
formed church  in  this  country. 

b.  That  Coetus  desires  nothing  more  earnestly  than  to  dis- 
cover such  measures  as  harmonize  Avith  the  well  being  of  our 
congregations  and  leave  the  very  close  connection  with  the 
Rev.  Synods  of  North  and  South  Holland  and  the  Rev.  Classis 
of  Amsterdam  undisturbed  and  thus  strengthen  a  general 
union  of  the  church  in  these  lands  with  the  mother  church 
of  the  Netherlands. 

c.  That  Coetus  recognizes  with  regret  that  the  proposals 
submitted  by  the  delegates  are  entirely  incompatible  ^\^th 


BE  COEDS  OF  17  6S.  2G3 

our  manifold  union  with  the  Reverend  Fathers ;  it  is  therefore 
impossible  for  us  to  give  our  assent  to  the  proposals. 

d.  That  Coetus  authorizes  certain  ministers  to  make  other 
proposals,  which,  when  approved  by  the  Rev.  Synods,  may 
effect  a  general  alliance  and  union. 

e.  That  every  opportunity  which  they  may  give  us  to  make 
united  representations  to  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  for  the  best  interests  of  our  churches,  would 
delight  us. 

f.  That  the  College  also  on  our  part  \\i\\  be  commended  to 
the  Christian  and  paternal  protection  of  your  Reverences, 
in  which  alone  we  can  join  hands. 

The  letter  containing  these  points  was  openly  read  before 
Coetus  and  \n.i\\  the  consent  of  Coetus  was  signed  by  the 
President  and  Secretary,  sealed  and  handed  to  the  delegates, 
to  be  conveyed  to  the  said  Coetus  of  New  York  and 
New  Jersey. 

Afterwards  the  following  report  was  made  by  Dos.  Pomp 
and  Henop,  who  were  delegated  by  Coetus  to  attend  the 
aforesaid  Coetus  held  in  New  Brunswick,  on  the  first  Tues- 
day in  October. 

That  the  members  of  the  Dutch  Coetus  were  not  all  pres- 
ent, and  nothing  was  done  in  this  matter,  since  proposals 
had  been  promised  by  the  Reverend  Fathers,  which  were 
eagerly  awaited. 

We  return  to  our  ow^n  business,  eagerly  awaiting  the  decision 
of  the  Christian  Synods  on  this  matter. 

Art.  II.  Delegated  elders,  properly  authorized,  appeared 
from  Lower  Saucon  and  Springfield,  two  large  congregations, 
which  had  been  much  injured  by  an  adventurer,*  but  have 
been  pretty  well  restored  by  the  ministry  of  Dos.  Henop, 
Pomp,  Faber,  Gobrecht  and  Gros.  They  requested  that  they 
might  be  admitted  to  the  fellowship  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Coetus,  and  be  provided  -with  a  regular  minister.  Resolved, 
that  there  is  no  reason  why  such  a  request  should  be  refused, 
and  that  the  circumstances  of  these  congregations  particularly 
demand  that  they  be  provided  mth  a  godly  minister,  and  that 

*  Mr.  John  Egidius  Hecker  according  to  the  church  record  at 
Springfield. 


2Gi  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

therefore  this  congregation  also  be  recommended  to  the  pa- 
ternal care  of  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis. 

Art.  III.  This  contains  a  sad  story  of  Do.  Berger  and  the 
elders  delegated  by  the  congregation  in  Reading.  In  order 
to  furnish  your  Reverences  with  sufficient  light  upon  this 
case,  we  must  recall  the  Minutes  of  the  Coetus  held  in  Read- 
ing, and  particularly  those  of  last  year  in  Lancaster.  At  our 
meeting  in  Reading  an  elder  of  the  congregation  at  IMuddy 
Creek,  to  which  Do.  Berger  ministered  for  some  time,  appeared 
with  a  paper  signed  by  most  of  the  members  of  said  con- 
gregation, in  which  Do.  Berger  was  accused  of  drunkenness 
and  other  consequent  irregularities  of  life.  At  Reading 
everything  was  as  yet  quiet  at  that  time,  and  this  conduct 
of  Do.  Berger  was  unkno^^Tl,  or  at  least  not  publicly  known, 
so  that  the  matter  was  settled  and  Mr.  Berger  was  given  a 
most  fraternal  admonition  to  amend  his  ways  and  to  avoid 
such  irregularities.  But  so  little  heed  was  given  to  this 
that  on  the  contrary,  instead  of  listening  to  such  repre- 
sentations, he  returned  more  and  more  to  his  pre\dous  scan- 
dalous life,  without  fear  of  God  or  shame  before  man,  and 
thereby  fell  into  discredit  with  his  best  friends,  and  wherever 
he  was  known  drew  upon  himself  the  contempt  of  the  people 
by  his  extravagant  debts.  All  these  facts  were  presented  in 
a  paper  from  the  congregation  in  Reading  to  the  Coetus  in 
Lancaster.  The  congregation  voluntarily  proposed  to  for- 
give everything  if  Do.  Berger  would  mend  liis  ways.  Do. 
Berger  with  tears  in  his  eyes  promised  the  desired  amend- 
ment, and  by  his  tears  showed  his  sincerity.  At  the  desire 
of  the  brethren,  he  was  asked  to  make  a  sincere  confession 
of  his  sin,  a  public  apology,  and  a  vow  of  true  amendment 
before  the  people.  This  he  did,  choosing  1  Tim.  i.  15  as  his 
text.  Besides,  he  was  notified  on  the  part  of  Coetus  that  in 
case  his  intention  or  repentance  was  not  sincere,  and  further 
offense  was  given  by  him,  and  other  charges  of  this  nature 
were  brought  against  him  by  the  people,  the  President  and 
Secretary  either  in  person,  or  through  a  committee,  should 
suspend  him  from  his  office.  But  all  this  made  an  impres- 
sion upon  this  unhappy  man  only  as  long  as  he  stood  before 
us  as  an  accused  person  and  as  long  as  he  promised  amend- 
ment before  his  congregation. 


EECOEDS  OF  1768.  265 

Mr.  Berger  continued  liis  scandalous  life  as  before,  and 
went  to  even  greater  length,  so  that  there  Avas  not  a  tavern 
in  or  near  the  city  where  he  did  not  dishonor  his  name  ^^ith 
excessive  drinking,  swearing,  scolding  and  making  debts  to 
the  disgrace  of  his  brethren,  and  the  members  of  his  con- 
gregation. "What  happened?  Accusations  and  reports  came 
in  from  every  direction.  Do.  Hendel  went  therefore  with 
Do.  AYittner  to  Reading,  to  get  information  concerning  this 
case,  and  Do.  Pomp  came  the  same  day  with  a  similar  object 
accompanied  by  Do.  Faber.  They  found  affairs  in  a  very 
sad  condition.  The  congregation  met,  applied  to  these  min- 
isters, and  sought  advice  in  their  distressing  circumstances. 

The  ministers  saw  that  there  was  no  other  way  than  to 
suspend  Do.  Berger  in  accordance  with  the  resolution  of 
Coetus,  until  he  should  change  his  conduct.  They  announced 
this  decision  to  Do.  Berger,  gi^dng  most  weighty  reasons.  Do. 
Berger  requested  the  privilege  of  suspending  himself,  and 
went  to  the  place  where  the  congregation  was  assembled  and 
declared  himself  to  be  unworthy  to  occupy  the  sacred  office 
in  this  congregation,  declaring  that  he  would  change  and 
again  show  to  the  congregation  a  worthy  course  of  life.  But 
even  now  he  was  satisfied  with  words.  His  conduct  remained 
as  bad  as  before.  His  creditors  of  other  denominations,  since 
they  could  no  longer  expect  that  the  members  of  the  Reformed 
Church  would,  as  before,  assume  their  claims,  pressed  their 
dues.  Mr.  Berger  was  dragged  from  one  magistrate  to  an- 
other, and  finally  sent  to  prison.  Thus  matters  stood  when 
the  time  approached  for  the  meeting  of  Coetus.  Berger 
abused  his  brethren,  threatened,  and  made  his  creditors  be- 
lieve that  he  was  entitled  to  so  much  money  from  the  Coetus 
as  would  be  sufficient  to  pay  his  debts.  He  thereby  gained 
his  liberty.  Then  he  went  on  foot  to  Easton,  a  distance  of 
fift^^  miles;  but  did  not  let  himself  be  seen  by  his  brethren 
until  the  President  preached  his  sermon.  Then  by  his  im- 
pudence and  accustomed  recklessness  he  disturbed  the  whole 
Coetus.  The  brethren  held  counsel,  and  to  prevent  all  dis- 
order, decided  to  ask  him  through  two  ministers  to  abstain 
from  taking  his  seat  and  voting,  until  his  affair  had  been 
decided  and  he  had  been  found  innocent.     Berger  repeated 


266  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

his  threats,  and  appeared  at  the  first  session  in  a  very  boister- 
ous manner.  He  struck  with  his  fists  upon  the  table,  and 
could  not  be  brought  to  order  except  through  stern  threats. 

His  affairs  were  taken  up  as  follows: 

Two  delegates  authorized  by  the  congregation  appeared 
with  new  accusations  in  writing,  the  whole  contents  of  which 
indicated  that  Berger  continued  in  his  scandalous  conduct 
and  daily  occasioned  the  greatest  oifense.  Mr.  Berger  de- 
fended himself  very  boisterously,  and  undertook  to  say  that 
the  congregation  was  most  to  blame  for  his  and  its  decline. 
But  these  accusations  were  contradicted  on  the  part  of  the 
delegates  by  undeniable  facts.  Berger  further  charged  the 
congregation  with  holding  back  his  salary.  He  made  claims 
for  a  whole  year,  although  he  had  not  served  more  than 
seven  months.  The  delegates  showed  that  they  had  been  will- 
ing to  pay  him  in  proportion  to  the  time  he  served  them, 
and  that  they  had  more  than  once  offered  him  this;  yeo., 
he  had  actually  been  paid  more  than  this  sum.  Coetus,  vdth 
the  consent  of  both,  resolved  that  eight  months'  salary  should 
be  paid  him  for  the  sake  of  peace.  Having  thus  fully  con- 
sidered everything,  the  question  was  put  to  every  one,  whether 
in  the  future  Mr.  Berger  should  be  regarded  as  a  member 
of  Coetus  or  as  a  minister.  It  was  answered  by  ministers 
and  elders  that  not  only  should  Mr.  Berger  have  no  longer 
any  fellowship  ^dth  the  Coetus,  but  that  in  general  he 
should  be  regarded  as  unworthy  to  exercise  the  office  of  a 
minister. 

SESSION  III.      2  o'clock,  SEPTEMBER  8tH. 

Art.  I.  The  congregations  of  Lebanon,  Quittopehilla, 
Heidelberg,  AVhitc  Ooaks  and  Rapho,  presented  through  some 
delegates  a  call  to  Mr.  Bucher.  A  similar  request  was  made 
to  Mr.  Bucher  by  the  delegates  of  the  congregation  in 
Reading. 

The  congi^egations  which  ]\Ir.  Bucher  had  hitherto  served, 
represented  the  great  distress  to  which  they  would  be  re- 
duced by  Mr.  Bucher 's  departure,  as  far  and  near  no  min- 
isters could  be  found  whom  they  could  call  to  tlieir  aid  in 
case  of  necessity. 

Resolved,  that  it  be  left  to  the  conscience  and  Avisdom  of 


RECORDS  OF  1768.  267 

Mr.  Bucher  where  and  in  what  place  he  wishes  to  serve, 
as  he  himself  can  know  best  where  his  presence  and  min- 
istry are  most  needed;  and  that  the  other  congregations 
especially  Reading,  be  recommended  to  the  fatherly  care  and 
protection  of  the  Christian  SjTiods  and  Classis. 

As  far  as  is  kno^vn  at  present,  i\Ir.  Bucher  has  resolved  to 
remain  in  his  charge. 

Art.  II.  The  congregation  in  Germanto^^Ti  sent  a  call  to  Do. 
Daliker,  who  has  been  placed  at  Amwell  [N.  J.] .  Do.  Daliker 
declined  this  call  and  determined  to  serve  Amwell,  Alexandria, 
Rockaway,  Foxhill,  and  Valley,  which  last  four  congrega- 
tions desire  to  be  taken  up  into  the  fellowship  of  Coetus, 
and  to  be  united  with  Amwell. 

Art.  III.  A  strong  Reformed  congregation  in  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  sent  a  call  to  I\Ir.  Christopher  Faber,  a  person 
who  came  to  this  country  at  the  same  time  that  Do.  Alsentz 
departed  from  this  world.  According  to  an  undoubtedly 
genuine  certificate  he  had  been  examined  by  the  Reverend 
Consistory  at  Heidelberg,  and  had  been  ordained  to  the  holy 
ministry. 

The  congregation  in  Germantown  requested  the  ministers 
who  had  been  in^dted  to  the  funeral  of  Do.  Alsentz,  namely 
Du  Bois,  (President,)  TTeyberg,  Pomp,  Faber,  a  relative  of 
the  former,  to  give  them  this  man  until  the  next  Coetus  meet- 
ing. The  circumstances  of  this  congregation  made  an  ap- 
proval of  their  request  necessary,  and  thereby  Coetus  had  an 
opportunity  of  becoming  better  acquainted  with  him.  The 
testimony  of  the  congregations  of  Germanto"^^Ti,  Vritpen,  and 
"Worcester,  which  he  has  served  for  more  than  half  a  year, 
makes  it  evident  that  Mr.  Faber  has  gained  their  love  and 
esteem  by  his  zeal  in  the  ministry  and  by  his  good  conduct. 
But  since  this  man  had  no  certificate  from  the  Rev.  S\Tiods 
and  the  congregation  at  Baltimore  extended  its  call  directly  to 
him  and  he  moreover  was  willing  to  accept  the  call  with  the 
consent  of  Coetus,  it  was  deemed  wise  to  approve  this  call, 
and  cordially  to  recommend  him  together  with  the  whole  con- 
gregation to  the  Rev.  Synods  for  favorable  reception  into 
the  Coetus. 

Art.  IV.  A  delegate  from  the  three  congregations  in  White- 


268  COETUS  OF  PENNSTLVANIA. 

hall  and  congregation  in  Allentown,  (or  Northampton,)  where 
the  writer  of  this  is  at  present  located,  brings  a  complaint  be- 
fore Coetus  in  which  the  first  three  congregations  declare 
themselves  aggrieved  by  tlie  last  named.  This  congregation 
has  up  to  the  present  time  refused  to  contribute  its  share 
toward  the  parsonage  which  has  been  bought  and  is  intended 
as  a  residence  for  the  ministers  who  serve  them  from  time  to 
time. 

Resolved,  that  it  is  considered  unfair  that  said  congregation 
declines  to  assume  its  part  of  the  work  in  Avhich  it  has  A\dth 
the  other  congregations  a  mutual  share  and  benefit,  and  that 
with  regard  to  this,  the  congregation  shall  be  urged  by  special 
letter  to  contribute  its  share  to  the  said  parsonage;  and  in 
case  of  refusal  this  congregation  must  allow  its  minister  to 
take  in  its  place  another  congregation,  which  is  willing  to 
consent  to  this  agreement. 

The  congregation  has  acted  according  to  the  resolution  of 
Coetus,  and  now  lives  with  the  others  in  full  harmony. 

Art.  V.  A  delegated  elder  from  the  congregations  where 
Do.  Wittner  is  at  present  located,  brings  in  statement  from 
three  congregations  that  they  are  well  satisfied  with  their 
pastor,  and  have  no  complaints  to  make.  But  a  statement 
from  the  congregation  of  Reyer's  church  contains  the  fol- 
lowing grievances: 

1.  That  Do.  Wittner  is  always  late  when  he  has  to  preach 
for  them  on  Sunday  afternoons. 

2.  That  he  does  not  give  sufficient  catechetical  instruction, 
doing  so  only  three  or  four  times  during  the  year. 

From  the  examination  of  this  delegate  and  of  Mr.  Wittner 
it  appeared  that  in  both  points  the  complaint  is  without 
cause,  inasmuch  as  this  church  is  twelve  miles  (or  four  Ger- 
man hours)  from  the  others.  Besides  this,  Reyer's  church  and 
Muddy  Creek  complain  that  they  could  not  collect  the  min- 
ister's salary  this  year.  Reyer's  church  gives  as  a  reason 
for  tliis,  its  poverty;  IMuddy  Creek  has  been  visited  by  a 
destructive  hail  and  all  its  crops  were  ruined. 

Resolved,  that  measures  be  taken  to  obviate  these  complaints. 

Art.  VI.  Two  persons,  Jacob  AVeimer  and  Fredrick  Faehring 
appeared,  being  made  willing  by  the  Lord  to  devote  the  talents 


BECOBDS  OF  1768.  269 

entrusted  to  them  to  his  glory  and  the  upbuilding  of  our 
churches.  The  first  is  a  man  forty  years  of  age.  He  has 
led  a  quiet  and  godly  life,  having  labored  unweariedly  for 
seventeen  years  in  this  province  with  catechizing,  teaching 
school,  and  reading  of  sermons  to  the  edification  of  the 
people  living  on  the  borders,  v/ho  are  shepherdless,  desti- 
tute, and  impoverished  by  the  Indian  War.  By  means  of 
these  useful  labors  and  through  the  special  help  of  God,  he 
has  gained  such  a  knowledge,  that  he  is  able  to  expound  the 
word  of  God  through  his  own  meditation,  according  to  the 
analogy  of  faith,  and  to  apply  it  to  the  edification  of  souls; 
a  man  who  has  from  all  good  people  the  testimony  of  an 
unfeigned  simplicity  and  godliness. 

The  other  is  a  man  thirty  years  of  age,  whom  God 's  provid- 
ence deprived  of  his  father  during  the  early  years  of  his 
life,  he  thus  becoming  an  orphan  and  a  servant  of  others. 
But  God  himself,  in  a  special  manner  taking  his  father's 
place,  directed  him  so  that  he  applied  whatever  he  earned 
in  the  sweat  of  his  brow,  with  an  extraordinary  and  voluntary 
desire,  to  the  study  of  languages  and  the  truths  which  God 
has  revealed  for  our  salvation.  With  this  desire  he  went  to 
Princeton,  where  a  college  had  been  established.  Through 
a  teacher  in  that  College  he  became  acquainted  with  Mr. 
Du  Bois,  and  through  him  with  the  members  of  Coetus.  We 
felt  compelled  to  aid  this  man  according  to  our  ability  and  each 
minister  gave  him  something  for  maintenance  and  support, 
so  that  through  God's  grace  he  might  attain  his  object.  It 
is  now  more  than  three  years  that  he  has  been  receiving  in- 
struction mth  good  success  from  Do.  Alsentz,  afterr^^ards 
from  Do.  Weyberg,  and  at  present  from  Do.  Pomp,  in  langu- 
ages and  sciences,  and  now  presents  himself  to  Coetus  for 
examination. 

This  matter  was  fully  considered  by  the  whole  Coetus,  with 
regard  to  the  one  as  well  as  the  other  of  these  persons.  And 
hoping  for  the  kind  forbearance  of  the  Synods  and  Classis 
it  was  resolved  that  Jacob  Weimer  be  examined,  and  the 
other  be  given  a  preliminary  examination  and,  according  to 
the  result,  undergo  a  final  examination  at  another  time.  This 
m^atter  was  entrusted  by  Coetus  to  Dos.  Pomp,  Henop  and 
Gros,  after  which  the  third  session  closed. 


270  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

SESSION  IV.      8  o'clock  a.  M.      SEPTEMBER  9tH. 

Art.  1.  The  examiners  made  a  unanimous  and  circum- 
stantial report  regarding  the  examen  and  tentamen.  Jacob 
Weimer  gave  his  examiners  a  full  and  unexpected  satisfaction 
in  both  dogmatic  and  practical  theolog}\  Mr.  Faehring 
showed  good  progress,  and  satisfied  his  examiners  very  well. 

Thereupon  it  was  resolved  to  recommend  these  persons  in  the 
most  humble  manner  to  the  Christian  Synods.  And  as 
Coetus  has  the  fullest  assurance  of  the  Christian  zeal  of  the 
Reverend  Fathers  for  the  extension  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ 
in  these  lands,  of  which  it  has  recently  been  convinced  to  its 
greatest  joy  by  the  Synodical  and  Classical  communications, 
therefore  an  examination  has  been  appointed  for  Frederick 
Faehring  in  the  approaching  spring,  the  examiners  being  Dos. 
Du  Bois,  Weyberg,  Pomp  and  Faber,  in  order  that  this  per- 
son, as  soon  as  the  consent  of  the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis 
has  been  received,  may  be  ordained  and  be  assigned  to  some 
vacant  congregation. 

The  sad  and  destitute  condition  of  the  people  on  our 
borders,  and  their  desire  for  the  Word  of  God  and  the  seals  of 
grace,  which  not  only  they  themselves  must  forego  but  also 
their  children,  and  on  the  other  hand  the  impossibility  of 
coming  to  their  aid  with  qualified  members  [of  Coetus],  has 
induced  Coetus  to  go  a  step  further  in  respect  to  Jacob 
Weimer.  In  this  we  hope  for  the  Christian  indulgence  of 
the  Rev.  Synods  and  Classis.  It  was  unanimously  resolved 
to  grant  him  ordination,  and  to  commend  him  most  strongly 
for  favorable  reception  into  the  Coetus. 

Art.  2.  William  Bausman,  a  delegate  from  Lancaster,  in 
behalf  of  a  part  of  the  said  congregation,  brought  com- 
plaints against  Do.  Hendel,  their  minister. 

Mr.  Pomp  took  the  President's  place. 

1.  The  first  complaint  consisted  of  this,  that  he  did  not 
visit  the  school  often  enough,  nor  examine  the  children.  Do. 
Hendel  showed  in  his  reply  that  he  neglects  nothing  in  this 
respect,  in  so  far  as  his  duties  and  the  necessary  visitation 
of  the  congregation  permit.  He  offered  to  make  a  ^dsit  of 
that  kind  each  week  if  possible.  The  delegate  is  satisfied 
with  this. 


EECOSDS  OF  1768.  271 

2.  The  delegate  took  up  another  complaint,  that  catechizing 
is  not  held  every  Sunday.  Do.  Hendel  showed  in  his  reply 
that  a  necessary  supply  of  the  congregation  in  Pequea,  (which 
must  take  place  monthly  on  Sunday  afternoons)  and  the 
visitation  of  the  congregation  at  Tulpehocken,  enjoined  upon 
him  by  Coetus,  had  prevented  him  from  holding  catechization 
every  Sunday. 

Resolved,  that  if  in  the  first  case  the  catechization  cannot 
be  held  in  the  afternoon  the  congregation  must  be  satisfied 
to  have  this  loss  made  up  by  a  catechization  in  the  morning. 
Both  parties  agTced  to  this. 

3.  [He  complained]  that  by  serving  the  congregation  at 
Pequea,  the  congregation  in  Lancaster  is  made  to  suffer.  If 
this  congregation  were  not  supplied  [by  Do.  Hendel]  they 
would  be  compelled  to  unite  with  Lancaster,  and  thus  united, 
give  them  their  assistance.  They  therefore  request  Coetus  to 
forbid  Do.  Hendel  engaging  in  this  service.  Do.  Hendel  stated 
that  it  appeared  to  him  very  unreasonable  that  persons  who 
live  over  twelve  miles  from  the  city,  (among  whom  are 
found  many  aged,  infirm  and  poor,  and  particularly  a  large 
number  of  children,  who  cannot  come  to  the  city,)  should  in 
this  way  be  deprived  of  the  opportunity  for  edification ;  more- 
over he  ofiiered  to  share  the  extra  salary  which  is  paid  by  these 
people  with  the  congregation  in  Lancaster,  or  to  give  it  up 
to  them  entirely. 

Resolved,  that  if  the  half  of  said  extra  salar^^  be  sufficient 
to  compensate  him  for  his  trouble  and  expenses,  then  the 
other  half  might  be  given  as  a  favor  to  the  congregation  in 
Lancaster. 

The  parties  again  gave  their  consent  to  this. 

4.  It  was  asserted  by  the  delegate  that  the  pastor  kept  many 
children  from  the  Lord's  Supper.  Do.  Hendel  contends  that 
this  has  never  happened  except  for  the  weightiest  reasons.  It 
was  concluded,  (1)  that  Do.  Hendel  shall,  like  every  minister, 
act  in  this  matter  after  the  conviction  of  his  own  conscience. 
(2)  That  the  officers  of  the  church  shall  sustain  him  in  this. 

Then  Do.  Hendel  presented  the  grievances  which  he  had 
against  the  congregation,  or  rather  against  a  portion  thereof : 

1.  That  the  things  which  were  invented  by  certain  persons 
were  presented  as  grievances  of  the  whole  congregation. 


272  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

2.  That  certain  regulations,  of  which  a  copy  lay  before 
the  Coetus,  were  arbitrarily  made  for  the  minister  by  a 
part  of  the  congregation  and  were  accepted  or  subscribed 
to  by  only  27  members,  in  which  among  other  things  it  was 
specified,  that  the  minister  shall  supply  no  other  congrega- 
tion, that  the  congregation  in  certain  cases  has  even  the  right 
and  power  to  dismiss  the  minister,  and  other  things  besides, 
which  have  reference  to  the  complaints  brought  forward. 

It  was  concluded,  (1)  this  action  of  the  congregation  was 
contrary  to  the  Netherland  Church-order.  A  like  de- 
cision had  been  given  in  the  case  of  the  action  of  the  con- 
gregation against  Do.  Otterbein. 

(2)  The  congregation  was  admonished  to  apply  to  the 
Coetus  in  such  cases. 

Art.  3.  By  majority  of  votes  it  w^as  determined  to  hold  the 
next  Coetus  in  Germantown.  It  was  appointed  for  the  3rd 
Wednesday  of  September,  1769. 

Thus  drawn  up  in  our  Coetal  assembly,  held  in  Easton,  in 
Northampton  County,  on  September  7-9,  1768. 

In  witness  thereof  confirmed  by  our  o\^ti  signatures  given 
at  Easton,  the  9th  of  September,  1768. 
William  Bausman,  W.  Hendel,  p.  t.  Pres., 

Christopher  Dieckenschiedt,    John  Ph.  Leydich,  p.  t.  Clerk, 
GoDFRiED  Knauss,  J.  D.  Gros,  Clerk, 

Peter  Kocher,  Fred.  Lud.  Henop, 

John  Fink,  N.  Pomp, 

Martin  Scheir,  Conrad  Bucher, 

Matthew  Seiler,  John  G.  Wittner, 

Phh^ip  Gruenewald,  Christopher  Gobrecht, 

Abraham  Jung,  John  Theobald  Faber, 

Frederick  DiVlliker. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1768. 
(Hague  92,  B.  90.) 

Very  Eeverend,  Very  Learned  Sirs,  Very  Venerable  Fathers  in  Christ: 

Your  highly  esteemed  favors,  dated  The  Hague,  July  2d,  1767,  have 
safely  come  to  hand.  Their  contents  were  carefully  considered.  It 
was  thereupon  resolved  to  answer  and  duly  present  the  following: 

We  are  heartily  glad.  Very  Eeverend  Sirs,  to  have  won  your  api)roval 
by  having  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus  also  authorized  by  the  signatures  of 
the  elders.  On  the  other  hand,  we  regret  to  hear  that  we  were  not  so 
fortunate  in  the  other  point,  respecting  the  admission  of  the  elders 
to  the  distribution  of  the  charitable  donations.  We  beg  you  there- 
fore, Very  Reverend  Sirs,  to  take  the  following  remarks  into  kind 
consideration,  and  to  receive  them  favorably  as  motives  of  our  actions 
in  this  matter,  also  to  favor  us  with  your  opinion  on  them. 

We  take  it  for  granted  that  all  the  resolutions  of  the  Christian 
Synods  relating  to  our  church  in  Pennsylvania  are  meant  for  the  wel- 
fare of  the  same,  and  to  this  end  we  deem  it  our  duty  always  to  obey 
and  execute  them  to  the  best  of  our  ability.  But  whenever  we  have 
reason  to  believe  that  this  purpose  would  not  be  realized,  but  rather 
be  thwarted,  we  consider  it  to  be  our  duty  to  take  exception,  to  state 
our  reasons  for  doing  so,  and  to  submit  them  to  your  profound  wis- 
dom and  experience.  Of  this  nature  is  the  article  on  which  you  were 
pleased  to  express  your  disapprobation. 

Our  congregations  are  poor,  some  more,  some  less  so;  the  churches 
and  school  buildings  are  dependent  on  the  congregations.  Ministers 
and  school  teachers  must  live  on  voluntary  contributions.  The  in- 
habitants of  the  country  are  accustomed  to  great  liberty  in  every 
respect,  and  in  no  respect  are  they  more  inclined  to  abuse  it  than  in 
matters  relating  to  churches  and  divine  worship.  To  this  must  be 
added  an  ignorance  which  in  many  persons  seems  incurable.  There  is 
no  bond  between  the  ministers  and  their  congregations  save  the  bond 
of  love,  and— alas,  that  we  must  say  it— with  many  the  fear  of  losing 
their  minister,  which  awakens  in  both  a  desire  to  secure  to  the 
minister  the  payment  of  his  salary.  But  what  would  they  do  if  they 
had  the  wi-itten  assurance  before  them  that,  what  they  could  not  raise 
for  the  minister,  would  be  made  up  by  you,  Very  Reverend  Sirs? 
Would  there  be  one  congregation  that  would  give  to  its  minister  what  it 
gives  him  now!  Would  not  all  congregations  demand  a  supplementa- 
tion, or  else  regard  their  ministers  as  treated  inferior  to  others? 
What  sums  would  thus  be  required  in  order  that  ministers  might  be  able 
to  live?  You  cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  fact,  Very  Reverend  Sirs,  that 
great  pains  have  been  taken  on  the  part  of  the  ministers  to  bring 
18  (  273  ) 


274  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

about  such  an  arrangettuent  that  in  the  future,  as  you  repeatedly  and 
expressly  demanded,  a  full  salary  might  be  secured.*  This  we  can 
not  as  yet  accomplish  as  we  would  wish,  although  two,  three,  four 
and  more  congregations  have  to  be  served  at  the  same  time  by  one  min- 
ister, and  many  a  preacher  has  to  serve  on  Sunday  two  churches  that 
are  located  seven,  ten  and  even  twelve  miles  apart.  From  the  list 
showing  the  distribution  of  the  donations  you  have  no  doubt  seen 
that  nothing  was  given  to  the  ministers,  and  that  this  act,  of  which 
you,  Very  Eeverend  Sirs,  were  pleased  to  complain,  was  not  inspired 
by  selfish  motives,  though  all  ministers  were  in  need  of  assistance. 
Moreover  it  is  difficult  to  keep  the  elders  together  long  enough  to  act 
upon  the  other  matters.  From  our  Acts  of  the  present  year  you  may 
Bee  that  two  days  and  a  half  were  thus  spent.  The  remainder  of  the 
third  day  was  taken  up  with  the  discussion  of  the  letters  of  the  Chris- 
tian Synods  and  the  Classis  of  Amsterdam.  The  elders,  as  well  as 
most  of  the  ministers,  would  have  been  compelled  to  remain  over 
Sunday,  at  the  expense  of  their  respective  congregations,  in  Easton  or 
in  other  places  on  the  way.  Not  to  mention  the  fact  that  the  do- 
mestic circumstances  of  most  of  them  demanded  their  speedy  dismissal. 
"We  are  so  far  from  denying  to  the  elders  the  proper  authority  ac- 
corded to  them  by  the  Netherland  church-order  that  on  the  contrary, 
we  recognize  them  in  every  respect,  as  our  Acts  prove,  as  an  integral 
part  of  the  Coetus.  But  in  the  consideration  of  the  correspondence  and 
distribution  of  your  charitable  donations  we  hope  that  the  Christian 
Synods  will  permit  an  exception  and  give  us  the  pleasure  of  securing 
your  consent  if,  according  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge  and  ability, 
we  prove  the  fidelity  required  of  stewards  even  with  regard  to  your 
charitable  donations  by  rendering  an  accurate  report  and  account  of 
their  distribution. 

1.  The  gratification  which  you.  Very  Reverend  Sirs,  expressed  re- 
specting the  first  fruits  of  our  congregations  was  very  encouraging 
to  us.  We  regard  this  as  the  only  means  by  which  we  can  live  up 
to  the  duties  of  our  office  and  to  our  obligations  to  you,  when  we  put 
forth  all  our  strength  to  urge  upon  our  members  the  inner  Christian 
life  and  to  prove  by  our  conduct  the  necessity  of  the  new  birth. 

2.  The  particulars  of  the  extravagances  of  Mr.  Zufall  were  reported 
in  the  Acts  of  last  year's  Coetus,  and  thus  we  trust  that  the  request 
of  the  Christian  Synods  has  been  duly  answered. 

3.  The  congregation  of  Frederick  is  again  vacant  through  the  de- 
parture of  Do.  Lange.  We  must  consider  this  step  as  somewhat 
arbitrary,  and  we  are  waiting  for  fuller  explanation  from  Mr.  Lange 
himself  of  the  particular  causes  and  circumstances  so  that  we  can 
send  a  detailed  report  of  tho  case  to  the  Christian  Synods. 

*  The  salary  as  originally  fixed  by  the  Synods  was  450  guilders,  but 
for  several  years  an  attempt  had  been  made  to  secure  £75  Pennsylvania 
currency  for  all  the  ministers  of  the  Coetus,  see  Minutes  of  1766,  p.  247. 


BECOEDS  OF  1768.  275 

4.  The  remark  which  was  made  with  regard  to  the  request  of  the 
congregation  of  Conocoeheague  we  shall  follow  in  similar  eases. 

5.  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen  and  Great  Swamp  are  served  by 
Mr.   Faber. 

6.  We  v.-ish  that  we  may  be  fortunate  enough  in  the  future,  in  our 
style  of  writing,  to  give  no  cause  tor  displeasure,  so  that  the  sin- 
cerity of  our  hearts  may  be  judged  from  our  words. 

7.  We  are  heartily  glad  that  the  request  of  the  Coetus  respecting 
Messrs.  Bueher,  Gobrecht  and  Gros,  has  met  with  a  favorable  reception. 
Your  fatherly  kindness  and  care  for  our  poor  congregations  has  in- 
spired us  anew  with  respect,  love  and  gratitude.  We  thank  the  Lord 
for  this  encouragement  and  admire  his  goodness  in  furnishing  us  again 
with  persons  whom  we  can  confidently  recommend  to  your  fatherly  care 
and  protection.  These  are  Christopher  Faber,  Jacob  Weimer,  and 
Frederick  Faehring,  as  mentioned  in  the  Acts.  We  never  entertained 
the  thought  of  exalting  ourselves  by  said  request.  We  wish  to  remain 
in  subordination  to  the  Christian  Synods  and  Classis  of  Amsterdam, 
wherein  we  were  placed  by  the  Lord,  and  we  humbly  await  special 
permission  to  examine  and  ordain  in  the  name  of  the  Christian  Synods 
and  Classis,  suitable  persons  in  case  of  necessity.  "What  you,  Very 
Eeverend  Sirs,  mention  of  the  days  of  Mr.  Schlatter  is  very  true.  But 
so  many  congregations  have  been  founded  since  that  time,  and  are  still 
being  founded,  which  discharge  their  adventurers  and  seek  properly 
authorized  ministers,  that  with  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  the  whole 
province  and  the  principal  places  of  the  other  provinces  could,  in  a  few 
years,  be  full  of  numerous  and  well  organized  congregations,  if  there 
were  sufficient  ministers.  There  are  less  ministers  at  present  in  pro- 
portion to  the  congregations  than  at  that  time  [Schlatter's]  and  it 
seems  to  us.  Very  Eeverend  Sirs,  that  it  would  be  safer  for  you  to  vest 
such  authority  in  a  corporate  body,  such  as  our  Coetus  is,  than  in  a 
single  man  who  might  abuse  this  authority  at  will. 

8.  We  greatly  fear  that  through  the  regulations  which  you.  Very 
Eeverend  Sirs,  were  pleased  to  make  respecting  the  distribution  of 
charitable  donations,  discontent  may  arise  among  the  members  of  the 
Coetus,  if  the  distribution  according  to  this  plan  is  to  be  left  to  the 
Coetus.  We  think  that  this  might  be  avoided  if  you.  Very  Eeverend 
Sirs,  would  specify  the  persons  or  places  that  are  to  receive  your  chari- 
table donations,  or  if  the  Coetus  were  at  liberty  to  continue  their 
distribution  in  equal  parts.  •  It  has  not  yet  been  possible  to  make  an 
accurate  calculation  as  to  the  amount  of  each  minister's  salary,  partly 
because  not  all  the  ministers  were  present,  and  partly  because  none 
would  like  to  appear  in  the  light  of  having  demanded  m^ore  than  his 
brethren.  (Moreover,  because  even  in  this  point  a  change  takes  place 
according  to  the  nature  of  the  times.)  There  is  a  truly  fraternal 
harmony  among  the  members  of  the  Coetus,  for  which  we  sincerely 
thank  the  Lord;  and  there  is  not  one  among  us  who  would  not  will- 
ingly  sacrifice    a    private    advantage    to    the    common    welfare    of    the 


276  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Church.  The  sahiries  are  not  equal,  but  the  exertion  and  the  cost 
of  living  aj-e  also  very  unequal.  In  the  towns  the  expenses  of  living 
are  high.  In  the  country,  where  a  minister  has  four  or  more  con- 
gregations, and  where,  on  Sundays,  he  has  to  hold  services  in  two 
churches  which  are  seven,  ten  and  even  twelve  miles  apart,  the  riding 
horses  and  the  clothing  (of  which  latter  not  enough  can  be  provided 
on  account  of  the  narrow  and  overgrown  roads),  take  away  the  greater 
part  of  the  salary.  Hence  there  are  very  few,  if  any,  who  notwith- 
standing the  most  rigorous  economizing  can  keep  clear  of  debt.  And 
hence  a  fatherly  contribution  to  each  one  would  be  well  bestowed.  We 
shall  take  care  to  furnish  you,  Very  Eeverend  Sirs,  with  a  list  of  the 
salaries  before  the  next  Coetus  meets. 

9.  We  return  our  humble  thanks  for  the  charitable  donations  with 
which  the  Christian  Synods  have  again  gladdened  our  church  in  Penn- 
sylvania. They  have  safely  reached  our  hands,  partly  by  drafts, 
partly  by  checks  to  Dos.  Weyberg  and  Otterbein.  We  hope  that  in 
distributing  the  same  we  have  carried  out  the  intentions  of  the  Chris- 
tian Synods  and  Classis,  and  we  look  forward  to  your  kind  approval. 

10.  Do.  Bartholomaeus  died  July  28th,  1768.  Do.  Alsentz,  mourned 
by  his  brethren  and  congregations,  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord,  October 
25th,   1767. 

11.  The  distribution  of  the  charitable  donations  took  place  as  follows: 

£       s.       d. 
Cost    of    supporting    Do.    Bartholomaeus    until    his    death, 

according  to  receipts 40     15 

Funeral  expenses 3 

Paid  to   two   widows 11 

To  Mr.   Wittner   for  his  congregations,  which  were  visited 

by  hail 18     14       9 

To  Mr.  Otterbein,  in  consideration  of  the  poverty  of  his 
York  congregation,  and  his  great  expenses  by  the  long 
illness   and  death   of  his  wife,   the   50   guilders    (florins) 

assigned  to  him  were  paid  over 7       2     10 

Expenses   at   the   Coetus 1       5       3 

The  balance  was  left  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Weyberg,  to  be 

expended  until  next  Coetus 10     19       3 

12.  We  regret  that  so  many  scattered  and  shepherdless  sheep  in 
Virginia  and  Maryland  should  be  without  your  fatherly  care.  We  pray 
and  implore  the  Lord  of  harvests  that  it  may  please  him  to  incline 
your  hearts,  Very  Reverend  Sirs,  toward  so  many  poor  people  and 
to  make  you  the  blessed  instruments  of  his  will,  in  order  to  dis- 
seminate the  gospel  of  peace  even  in  those  regions,  and  to  send 
faithful  laborers  into   that  wild   and   extensive  vineyard. 

From  New  Lueneburg,  a  town  in  Nova  Scotia,  we  receive  the  most 
piteous  appeals  and  requests  for  a  regular  minister.  Eighty  families 
have  not  had  the  Word  of  God  preached  and  the  symbols  and  seals  of 
the  covenant  administered  to  them  for  seventeen  years,  and  their 
children  grow  up  without  being  instructed  in  the  mysteries  of  salvation. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1768.  277 

13.  We  eagerly  await  the  good  result  of  your  efiforts,  Very  Reverend 
Sirs,  to  send  us  the  desired  three  ministers.  We  find  ourselves  com- 
pelled to  ask  for  three  or  four  suitable  persons  in  addition.  May  the 
Lord,  who  walks  amid  the  candlesticks  [Eev.  ii.  1]  bless  your 
fatherly  endeavors,  in  order  that  you  may  find  such  persons  who 
will  become  hallowed  instruments  for  his  glory  and  for  building  up 
our  Church. 

Besides  we  recommend  to  you,  Very  Reverend  Sirs,  the  pastorless 
congregations : 

1.  Tulpehocken,  Kaemerling,  Muehlbach,  Bethel. 

2.  Reading. 

3.  Germantown. 

4.  Saucon  and  Springfield. 

5.  Frederick, 

6.  Lebanon,  Quitopehilla,  Heidelberg,  WTiite  Oaks  and  Rapho. 

We  wish  that  Virginia,  Maryland  and  Nova  Scotia  be  taken  to  heart. 

14.  The  request  of  the  congregation  in  Philadelphia  is  no  act  in 
which  the  Coetus  was  implicated.  We  thank  you,  Very  Reverend  Sirs, 
for  your  kind  information  respecting  that  matter. 

15.  We  regret  that  we  are  still  unable  fuUy  to  answer  the  question 
whether  all  the  ministers  in  Pennsylvania  conform  to  the  Netherland 
Church-order  because  many  preachers  are  not  familiar  with  the 
Netherland  Church-order,  which  is  not  to  be  had  in  this  country.  We 
can  assure  you,  however,  that  we  heartily  wish  to  conform  as  closely  as 
possible  in  this  point  to  your  desire.  Dos.  Hendel,  Gros,  Faber, 
Wittner,  Gobrecht,  Bucher,  and  perhaps  some  others  are  not  in  pos- 
session of  copies  of  the  Church-order. 

The  detailed  circumstances  of  many  ministers  can  not  be  given,  be- 
cause there  is  at  present  no  good  opportunity  of  sending  letters. 

Statistics  of  the  congregations  and  the  location  of  the  pastors,  are 
as  follows: 


278 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLFANJA. 


MlUISTEKS. 


Weyberg 
Du  Bois 
Ilendel 
Pomp    . 

Otterbein 
Henop  .    . 
Faber    .   . 


Gro8  lives  at  J 
Whitehall.  1 

Leidig  .    .    .   < 


Bucher  .   . 


Wittner    .    . 


Dalliker   .    . 


Congregations. 


Waldschmidt  | 


Philadelphia 

Keeps  his  former  congreg. 
North  and  Southampton. 
Lancaster 

1.  New  Hanover 

2.  Vincent 

1.  York 

2.  Paradise,  and  3.  Kreutz- 
creek,  are  two  small  congr. 

1.  Easton 

2.  Dryland 

3.  Plainfield 

4.  Greenwich      

1.  Old  Goshenhoppen    .    .    . 

2.  New  Goshenhoppen  .    .    . 

3.  Great  Swamp 

1-  Egypt 

2.  Schlosser's 

3.  Jordan 

4.  Allentown 

1.  Coventry 

2.  Upper  Milford 

1.  Carlisle.       

2.  Falling  Spring 

3.  May  town 

4.  Middletown 

5.  HummeLstown 

6.  Donegal 

1.  Cocalico 

2.  Maidencreek 

j3.  Seltenreich 

4.  Eeyer's 

jl.  Amwell 

2.  Bethlehem 

|3.  Kockawav 

4.  Foxhill 

|5.  Valley 

1.  Bern 

2.  Muddy  Creek 


120     56 

lOO!     30 


32 
24 


40     201     30 
50;     26!     12 


2o; 

41; 
24 
24 
30 
90 
30 
201 
25! 
15i 


li  90-100 


I 
li      70 

I 
li    40-50 


Each  Sunday  two 
of  these  congr. 
have  preaching 
services. 


60i     22 

I 


18! 


101 
17' 


i  Ml 


No  report. 


f  'In  each  congre- 
gation is  one 
winter  school. 
Two  cong.  are 
served  every 
Lord's  Day. 


No  report. 


No  report. 


}■       No  report. 


No  report. 


We  commend  ourselves  and  our  congregations  to  your  fatherly  care 
and  favor  and  remain,  with  profound  respect  and  affection, 

Very   Kevercnd    and    Highly    Honored    Sirs    and    Beloved    Fathers    in 
Christ, 

Yonr  most   dutiful   and  submLssivo  servants, 
In  the  name  of  all 

W.    Hendel,   p.   t.    President. 
J.  D.  Orgs,  p.  t.  Secretary. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1769. 
(Hague  92,  B.  93.) 

MINUTES  OP  THE   COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,   HELD  IN  GERMAN- 
TOWN,  SEPTEMBER  20  AND  21,   1769. 

Very  Worthy,  Very  Learyied,  HigJily  Honored  and  Greatly 

Beloved  Fathers  in  Christ: 

Since  nov/  again  in  the  kind  providence  of  our  God,  we 
have  met  as  a  Coetus,  we  have  not  wished  to  neglect  the  duty 
we  owe  in  preparing  the  Minutes,  and  to  commend  them  to 
your  Reverences  for  a  favorable  reception.  The  ministers 
who  are  qualified  members  of  the  Coetus  all  appeared  in 
Grermantown  at  the  appointed  time,  each  with  an  elder  duly 
authorized  by  his  congregation.  The  names  of  these  ministers 
are:  Gros,  (President,)  Leidich,  Waldschmidt,  Otterbein,  Du 
Bois,  Weyberg,  Hendel,  Henop,  Faber,  Gobrecht,  Bucher, 
Wittner,  Daliker  and  Pomp,   (Secretary). 

After  Coetus  had  been  opened  with  a  very  edifying  sermon, 
by  Do.  Gros  in  the  Germantown  church,  on  the  words  of 
Matthew  ix.  37-38,  at  10  o'clock  in  the  morning,  nothing 
else  was  done  at  the  end  of  the  service  but  to  elect,  by  a 
majority  of  votes,  Do.  Gros  as  President,  and  the  writer  of 
tliis  as  Secretary. 

SESSION  I.  2  o'clock  p.  m. 
I.  First  of  all  each  minister  was  separately  asked  for  the 
blessing  and  fruit  of  his  office.  And  although  each  one  had 
much  to  complain  on  this  subject,  yet  there  was  none  who, 
in  his  opinion,  had  labored  entirely  without  a  blessing,  the 
one  more,  the  other  less.  To  judge  of  the  spiritual  condition 
of  our  people,  and  to  say  with  certainty  how  far  the  Lord 
has  come  with  his  grace  upon  them,  is  a  difficult  matter  for 
us.  Yet  we  can  report  as  certain,  that  here  and  there  in 
our  congi-egations  are  many  people  of  vrhom,  to  all  appear- 
ance, we  may  entertain  good  hopes.  These  people  are  dis- 
tinguished in  many  things  from  the  rude,  worldly  crowd. 
They  are  honest  and  modest  in  the  heavy  labor  of  their  busi- 

(279) 


280  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

ness ;  they  abhor  the  scandalous  conduct  of  other  people  ^nth 
whom  we  come  in  frequent  contact.  They  love  their  ministers 
and  make  sacrifices  for  their  support;  they  come  diligently 
to  the  place  of  public  worship  where  they  show  themselves 
devout  and  eager  to  learn ;  and  sometimes  are  found  to  have 
family  devotion.  What  more  shall  we  say  of  these  people? 
Indeed  we  can  not  affirm  that  they  all  belong  to  the  elect 
people  of  God,  in  whom  the  Lord  has  begun  the  work  of  liis 
grace,  but  often  we  must  see  with  pain  and  sorrow,  here  and 
there,  some  among  them  who  in  times  of  temptation  do  not 
stand  the  test  but  conform  to  the  evil  world.  Nevertheless, 
we  also  Imow  to  our  comfort  that  here  and  there  some  do  not 
allovr  themselves  to  be  overcome  in  temptation,  but  show  their 
faith  by  their  fruits. 

Those  who  are  public  evil-doers,  and  who  thereby  give  of- 
fense, are  excommunicated  according  to  God's  Word,  but  only 
from  the  use  of  the  Holy  Sacraments,  as  long  as  they  show 
no  true  amendment.  Those  who  have  been  excommunicated, 
for  the  most  part,  come  back  to  us  again  after  some  time,  and 
willingly  subject  themselves  to  our  church  discipline. 

Church  discipline  is  indeed  a  matter  until  now  of  great 
difficulty,  especially  in  congregations  which  are  still  very 
weak  and  poor.  If  any  one  is  excommunicated  in  such  a  con- 
gregation he  is  usually  obstinate  under  it,  and  he  hesitates 
often  a  very  long  time  before  he  consents  to  join  again  and 
contribute  by  his  person  and  conduct  to  the  maintenance  of 
the  congregation.  For  this  reason  the  support  of  congrega- 
tional work  presses  so  much  the  heavier  upon  the  others. 

II.  As  regards  the  harmony  between  the  ministers  and  their 
congregations.  Do.  Gros,  as  President,  put  the  question  first 
to  each  minister  whether  he  lived  in  quietness  and  peace  with 
the  congregation  to  which  he  was  appointed.  After  that  a 
similar  question  was  put  to  the  delegated  elder,  whether  the 
congregations  were  really  satisfied  with  their  pastors.  How 
this  question  was  answered,  and  what  resolutions  were  passed 
by  Coetus  appears  from  the  following  items : 

a.  The  ministers  who,  in  reply  to  the  question  submitted 
to  them,  had  no  complaints  against  their  congregations,  were : 
Dos.  Du  Bois,  Weyberg,  Otterbein,  Waldschmidt,  Leidich, 
Faber,  Pomp  and  Bucher.     Each  of  their  delegated  elderg 


EECOBDS  OF  1769.  281 

likewise  stated  that  the  congregations  under  their  care  were 
satisfied  with  them. 

b.  The  ministers  who  had  complaints  and  against  whom 
also  complaints  were  made  are: 

1.  Do.  Hendel,  who  up  to  this  time  was  located  in  Lancaster, 
complained  that  there  were  seven  or  eight  men,  some  of  them 
officers  of  the  congregation  and  all  of  them  self-willed  and 
obstinate  men,  who  in  a  very  rude  manner  found  fault  with 
the  best  and  most  sincere  performance  of  his  duties,  and 
thereby  constantly  caused  him  vexation.  The  delegated  elder 
from  Lancaster  testified  that  Do.  Hendel  not  only  expressed  by 
these  complaints  the  feelings  of  the  majority  of  the  congre- 
gation, but  had  also  conducted  himself  in  his  office  without 
giving  offense,  as  becomes  a  true  minister  of  God's  word. 

These  charges  against  Do.  Hendel,  which  even  in  the  pre- 
vious year  occupied  much  space  in  the  Minutes  of  our  Coetus, 
were  therefore  at  this  time  unexepected  to  us  and  very  un- 
pleasant. We  resolved  to  offer  him  another  charge  and  at 
first  thought  that  he  would  be  a  proper  person  for  the  con- 
gregation in  Frederick  [Md.].  But  since  this  congregation 
had  forwarded  to  the  Reverend  Coetus  a  call  for  Do.  Henop, 
and  Do.  Hendel  declared  that  he  had  no  inclination  to  go  to 
Frederick,  as  a  large  part  of  that  congregation  had  been  very 
much  against  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Otterbein,  it  was  to  b© 
feared  that  these  people  on  account  of  his  friendship  with 
Mr.  Otterbein,  might  dislike  him,  therefore  we  proposed  to 
Do.  Hendel  the  congregations  at  Tulpehocken,  which  for  want 
of  a  faithful  shepherd  have  been  for  a  long  time  in  great 
peril.  But  Do.  Hendel,  who  did  not  like  to  leave  Lancaster, 
because  he  himself  knew  how  acceptable  his  ministry  had  been 
up  to  this  time  to  the  largest  part  of  the  congregation  and 
might  continue  to  be, — took  this  proposal  into  consideration 
for  several  hours;  and  after  several  hours  had  elapsed  de- 
clared that  he  accepted  the  proposed  charge  at  Tulpehocken. 
We  were  much  pleased  with  this,  and  at  the  same  time  we 
sent  a  communication  to  the  congregation  in  Lancaster,  to  this 
effect,  that  Do.  Hendel  according  to  the  resolution  of  Coetus, 
on  account  of  said  complaints,  would  leave  Lancaster,  and  for 
the  future  had  been  assigned  to  the  congregations  of  Tulpe- 
hocken,  and  that  the  congregation  in  Lancaster  now  had 


282  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVAMA. 

permission  to  call  another  minister,  but  one  who  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Reverend  Coetus.  We  trust  that  these  almost 
ruined  congregations  in  Tulpehocken,  through  the  ministry 
of  Do.  Ileudel  may  again  reach  a  blessed  state  of  prosperity. 
2.  Do.  Henop,  who  hitherto  has  served  the  congregations  in 
and  about  Easton,  and  has  conducted  himself  during  that 
time  so  well  that  no  one  knows  anyhing  else  of  him  except 
what  tends  to  his  praise  and  conduces  to  our  satisfaction, 
complains  on  two  points  : 

(1)  About  the  great  dilSiculties  of  his  work,  since  on  Sun- 
day he  has  to  ride  nearly  thirty  miles  and  preach  t\\ice  be- 
sides, without  counting  the  many  difficult  journeys  which 
frequently  occur  during  the  week.  It  can  easily  be  inferred 
that  by  reason  of  these  fatiguing  journeys  a  man  not  only 
injures  his  health  but  must  often  neglect  the  necessary  study. 

(2)  Do.  Henop  complains  secondly  of  the  unbelief  and 
scoffing  at  religion.  These  are  the  tares  which  the  enemy 
has  sown  in  and  about  Easton,  so  that  one  is  compelled  to 
endure  not  only  much  ridicule  directed  against  our  most  holy 
faith,  but  worse  than  all,  to  observe  that  here  and  there  even 
some  members  of  the  church  are  led  astray  by  it.  Although 
Do.  Henop  has  for  some  years  opposed  this  evil  with  all 
diligence  and  courage,  those  members  who  had  been  misled 
have  not  yet  been  won  back.  The  remainder,  who  after  all 
constitute  the  majority.  Do.  Henop  regards  as  people  to  whom 
his  teaching  and  faithful  admonitions  have  been  blessed,  so 
that  they  zealously  labor  with  him  against  unbelief,  and  also 
in  many  other  respects  prove  themselves  to  be  true  Christians. 
The  delegated  elder  from  Easton  was  questioned  about  tliia, 
and  testified  that  these  complaints  and  representations  of 
Do.  Henop  were  true,  and  that  it  would  be  a  great  loss  to  tlie 
congregation  there  if  they  w^ould  have  to  give  him  up. 

The  case  of  Do.  Henop  was  immediately  taken  up,  and 
with  regard  to  it  Coetus  resolved  to  advise  him  to  accept  the 
call  of  the  congregation  in  Frederick,  of  which  mention  was 
previously  made.  Do.  Henop,  who  had  been  informed  of  this 
call  sometime  before,  and  consequently  had  been  able  carefully 
to  consider  the  whole  matter,  immediately  resolved  to  accept 
the  call.  We  were  pleased  that  the  congregation  in  Frederick 
will  now  be  provided  with  a  competent  pastor. 


EE COEDS  OF  1769.  283 

Then  there  arose  the  question,  how  the  congregation  [in  and 
about  Easton]  should  henceforth  be  cared  for.  This  question 
was  also  satisfactorily  settled,  in  that  a  candidate  of  theology, 
by  the  name  of  Pithan,  had  arrived  this  year  *  from  Germany 
in  order,  as  he  states,  to  visit  some  of  his  friends.  He  is  from 
the  Palatinate,  has  studied  at  Heidelberg,  and  according  to 
credible  testimonials  has  also  been  examined  and  ordained  by 
the  Palatinate  Consistory.  Inasmuch  as  this  person  possesses 
excellent  proficiency  in  theology,  and  also  very  fine  gifts  of  de- 
liverj^  which  are  necessarj'-  for  a  minister  of  the  Divine  "Word, 
and  applied  to  some  members  of  the  Reverend  Coetus,  for  per- 
mission to  engage  in  preaching  here  and  there  for  a  time; 
therefore  it  was  resolved  to  gratify  his  ^vish,  and  to  arrange 
that  he  be  recommended  with  the  necessary  instructions  and 
admonitions  to  the  congregations  at  Easton,  which  has  been 
done.  "With  regard  to  this  candidate  w^e  believe  that  we  could 
not  have  done  anything  better.  If  ISlr.  Pithan  were  a  man 
who  might  prove  unworthy,  he  w^ould  quickly  have  forced 
himself  upon  a  congregation,  and  would  have  done  our  church 
more  injury  than  he  can  do  now.  For  if  he  does  not  conduct 
himself  properly  we  can  easily  stop  his  ministry  at  Easton, 
since  these  congregations  are  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Coetus;  but  should  he  conduct  himself  as  a  true  minister  of 
God's  Word,  as  from  all  appearances  may  be  expected  of 
him,  then  we  wish  also  to  recommend  him  to  our  greatly  be- 
loved and  honored  Fathers  in  Holland. 

3.  Do.  Gros,  who  is  much  beloved  by  the  Reverend  Coetus 
as  well  as  by  his  charge  at  AYhitehall,  this  year  received  a 
regular  call  from  two  large  congregations,  at  Saucon  and 
Springfield,  which  last  year  already  were  commended  to  the 
Reverend  Fathers.  Do.  Gros  showed  considerable  inclination 
to  accept  this  call,  and  complained  especially  on  account  of 
the  unfitness  of  his  present  dwelling  at  Whitehall.**  He  lives 
in  a  very  poor  building,  also  at  a  place  where  no  wholesome 
water  can  be  had;  w^hich  to  a  minister  in  this  country,  who 

*  John  William  Pythan  took  the  oath  of  allegiance  at  Philadelphia  on 
September  1,  1769. 

**  In  the  year  1767  the  four  congregations  of  the  charge  bought  6 
acres  and  a  parsonage  for  £152,  see  Skizzen  aus  dem  Lecha  Thai.,  p.  14. 


284  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

has  uotliing  to  drink  but  water,  may  be  a  chief  cause  for  com- 
plaint, especially  in  the  hot  summer  days,  when  through  bad 
water  one 's  health  can  easily  be  impaired. 

The  delegate  from  ^^^litehall  was  questioned  concerning 
this  and  replied  that  the  congregations  at  AMiitehall  were 
well  satisfied  with  Do.  Gros,  and  that  they  would  be  sorely 
grieved  if  they  were  forced  to  lose  him. 

We  resolved  to  leave  this  matter  to  the  decision  of  Do. 
Gros,  that  he  may  determine  for  himself  whether  he  could 
leave  the  charge  which  he  has  hitherto  had,  and  accept  tlie 
call  to  Saucon  and  Springfield. 

Do.  Gros  thereupon  declared,  that  the  separation  from 
\Miitehall  would  be  very  hard  for  him,  because  he  well  knew 
that  his  ministry  among  them  had  been  blessed  by  the  Lord 
to  the  good  of  many  souls,  and  for  the  future  even  more  was 
to  be  expected;  that  therefore  he  could  not  leave  these  con- 
gregations unless  Coetus  would  recommend  to  them  in  his 
place  the  first  capable  minister  whom  the  Reverend  Fathers 
might  send  over.  This  request  was  granted  in  the  hope  that 
the  congregations  at  Whitehall  would  see  to  it  that  their  future 
pastor  need  not  make  such  complaints. 

SECOND  SESSION.      8   A.   M.,   SEPTEMBER  21ST. 

1.  Do.  Daliker  is  accused  by  two  men  delegated  from  the 
congregation  in  Amwell  of  drunkenness,  of  wasteful  house- 
keeping and  other  frivolous  conduct  such  as  accompanies  the 
vice  of  drunkenness.  He  strongly  contradicted  his  accusers 
declaring  that  their  charges  w^ere  not  based  on  truth.  But 
it  now  appears  that  he  was  accused  not  without  cause,  hence 
the  Reverend  Coetus  resolved  to  make  a  local  investigation, 
in  order  to  learn  of  this  matter  with  more  certainty.  The 
ministers  appointed  for  this  purpose  were:  Dos.  Du  Bois,Wey- 
berg  and  ITenop,  who  immediately  after  the  adjournment  of 
Coetus  went  to  Amwell,  where  they  found  it  advisable  to  call 
a  meeting  of  the  entire  congregation.  After  Do.  Weyberg 
had  preached  to  the  congregation,  the  investigation  took  place, 
at  which  the  members  of  the  congregation  declared  nothing 
else  than  all  that  which  they  had  already  brought  up  before 
Coetus  as  complaints,  and  even  worse  offenses  had  been  com- 
mitted by  him.     Do.  Daliker  then  completely  ceased  his  min- 


BE  COEDS  OF  1769.  285 

istrations  at  Amwell.  He  now  serves  three  other  congrega- 
tions, which  hitherto  were  united  with  Amwell,  namely,  Rocka- 
way,  Bethlehem,  and  Foxhill  or  Valley,  which  congregations 
through  delegated  elders  brought  testimonials  before  Coetus, 
declaring  that  they  were  still  well  satisfied  with  him.  Under 
these  circumstances  we  do  not  find  it  advisable  for  the  pres- 
ent to  do  anything  further.  We  prefer,  with  fear  and  pa- 
tience, to  await  further  development. 

II.  Do.  Wittner,  who  serves  four  congregations  in  Cocalico 
and  its  neighborhood  was  accused  by  his  delegated  elder  in 
the  following  particulars: 

1.  That  he  was  accustomed  to  come  late  to  church. 

2.  That  during  last  summer  he  had  neglected  the  instruction 
of  the  children. 

3.  That  he  made  no  house- visitations,  and  was  in  general 
very  negligent  in  the  duties  of  his  office,  to  the  injury  of  the 
congregations. 

Do.  Wittner  disputed  these  accusations  and  stated,  that 
especially  two  congregations  remained  far  behind  in  the  pay- 
ment of  his  salary,  and  in  consequence  he  had  been  in  want 
of  many  things,  which  had  made  the  performance  of  his 
duties  severe  and  distressing.  We  gave  Do.  Wittner  the 
necessary  admonitions  and  censured  him  for  his  negligence, 
but  as  he  made  far-reaching  denials  of  the  said  complaints, 
we  deemed  it  necessary  to  make  a  local  inquiry  through  Dos. 
Hendel  and  Bucher,  which  has  already  been  done. 

Do.  Hendel  afterwards  reported  that  the  charges  against 
Wittner  were  found  to  be  in  his  congregations  as  they  were 
represented  before  Coetus.  Besides  Do.  Wittner  is  known 
among  us  as  a  person  Avho  for  many  years  already  has  been 
affected  with  melancholy,  which  ailment  seems  to  be  incur- 
able, and  makes  him  more  and  more  unfit  for  the  office  of  a 
minister.  We  are  therefore  much  concerned  about  him  but 
for  the  present  can  do  nothing  else  for  him.* 

III.  Do.  Lange,  who  left  Frederick  in  1768,  and  went  to 
Virginia,  where  he  settled  according  to  his  own  pleasure  among 
the  scattered  congregations,  has  again  been  compelled,  as  we 

*  For  a  much  better  judgment  on  Do.  Wittner,  see  Coetal  letter  of 
a773.  "  "^^^ 


286  COETVS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

learu,  to  leave  on  account  of  his  scandalous  conduct.  The 
congregations  there,  which  he  served  for  some  time,  in  a 
letter  rendered  us  a  detailed  account  of  the  matter.  From 
this  letter  we  learn  that  Do.  Lange  by  his  administration  of 
the  Sacraments  scandalized  the  people.  He  refused  to  bap- 
tize an}^  child  unless  he  was  previously  paid.  He  adminis- 
tered the  Lord's  Supper  to  unchaste  persons,  without  the 
previous  ecclesiastical  censure,  tx3  which  they  had  exposed 
themselves. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  knows  not  what  else  to  do  in  tliis 
matter  than  to  count  Lange  among  the  lost  brethren. 

IV.  Do.  Berger,  who  was  excluded  from  the  Coetus  last 
year  as  an  unworthy  member,  with  the  assurance  that  he 
Avould  be  adm.itted  again  as  soon  as  he  would  show  true 
amendment  of  life,  has  since  served  a  congregation  near 
Reading  in  the  mountains  (where  he  also  lives  with  his 
family  in  great  misery.)  This  congregation  however  has 
never  belonged  to  Coetus,  and  has  never  had  a  regular  min- 
ister. ]\Ir.  Berger  came  to  us  at  Germantown  with  the  re- 
quest that  we  would  restx)re  him  again  to  his  former  stand- 
ing, and  see  to  it  that  he  might  be  recommended  to  another 
place  where  he  could  make  a  better  living.  But  inasmuch 
as  he  has  not  yet  given  any  proof  of  a  true  amendment  of 
life  but  has  rather  persisted  in  his  scandalous  conduct,  which 
to  our  sorrow  is  too  well  knoA\Ti  in  this  country,  therefore 
nothing  could  be  done  on  our  part  except  to  compassionate 
him  and  give  him  well-meant  admonitions  to  mend  his  course 
of  life. 

V.  Do.  Zufall  has  not  reported  to  Coetus  for  the  last 
three  years.  We  have  learned  that  he  was  married  in  the 
past  j^ar.  His  wife,  however,  has  left  him.  "We  cannot  state 
^vith  certainty  where  he  is  living  at  present. 

THIRD  SESSION.      2  P.  M. 

1.  Do.  Otterbein  informed  Coetus  that  he  intended  to  re- 
turn to  Germany  next  spring,  in  order  to  see  and  visit  his 
friends  there.  He  has  not  yet  made  up  his  mind  whether 
he  will  come  back  or  not.  ]\Iean while  he  earnestly  urges  that 
the  congregation  which  he  is  obliged  to  leave  may  be  pro- 
vided with  a  regular  pastor  in  his  absence. 


EECOEDS  OF  1769.  287 

2.  The  Reverend  Coetus  did  not  object  to  this  intended 
trip,  but  wished  him  a  safe  journey.  To  supply  the  church 
in  York,  Do.  Gobrecht  came  into  consideration,  who  complains 
of  some  members  of  his  congregation  at  Tohickon,  that  they 
very  unjustly  despise  him  in  his  ministerial  office.  So  much 
is  true,  that  he  shows  himself  in  his  conduct  and  in  the  per- 
formance of  his  duties  very  faithful  and  diligent,  according 
to  the  measure  of  the  gifts  bestowed  upon  him  by  God.  But 
because  he  has  to  endure  much  from  some  obstinate  members, 
he  manifested  an  inclination  to  accept  the  place  in  York 
if  Do.  Otterbein  does  not  change  his  plan  of  going  to  Ger- 
many. Do.  Gobrecht  later  changed  his  mind  and  will  re- 
main at  Tohickon.  What  Do.  Otterbein  will  now  do  re- 
mains to  be  seen. 

3.  Do.  Paber,  who  for  some  time  ministered  to  the  con- 
gregation in  Germantown,  and  last  year  accepted  a  call  to 
Baltimore  with  our  consent  and  recommendation,  and  there 
ministers  to  two  congregations,  one  in  Baltimore  and  one  on 
the  Pipe  Creek  sent  to  the  Reverend  Coetus  two  written  cer- 
tificates from  each  of  these  congregations,  stating  that  Do. 
Faber  not  only  lived  properly  but  also  taught  properly,  in- 
samuch  as  he  taught  the  clear  Word  of  God  of  the  Old  and 
the  New  Testament  faithfully  and  diligently,  so  that  these 
congregations  are  well  satisfied  with  him. 

The  Coetus  was  pleased  with  this  and  took  no  further 
action  in  reference  to  him.  We  desire  for  him  the  favor  of 
the  Reverend  Fathers  in  Holland,  who  have  probably  received 
correct  information  about  his  conduct  in  Germany. 

4.  Do.  Frederick  Fairing,*  according  to  the  resolution  of 
Coetus  passed  in  the  previous  year  in  Easton,  was  examined 
last  Spring  by  the  Committee  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
Dos.  Weyberg,  Du  Bois  and  Faber,  —  and  whereas  these 
brethren  have  found  from  this  examination  that  he  was  a 
man  qualified  for  the  ministry,  they  have  also,  according  to 
their  best  judgment,  ordained  him  to  the  ministry,  with  the 
lajang  on  of  hands,  and  assigned  him  until  the  next  Coetus  as 
minister  to  the  congregations  in  Germantown,  Witpen  and 
Worcester,  which  greatly  desired  him.     The  said  Coetus  being 

*  Spelled  thus  in  the  original  by  the  secretary.  Rev.  N.  Pomp 


288  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

now  in  session  in  Germantown,  and  the  said  three  congregations 
again  presenting  an  urgent  call  to  their  beloved  Frederick 
Fairing,  of  whom  they  give  excellent  testimony;  therefore 
we  have  unanimously  resolved  to  confirm  this  call,  and  to 
order  that  Do.  Fairing  should  continue  to  be  the  pastor  of 
the  three  congregations  in  Germantown,  Witpen  and  Wor- 
cester. However,  we  are  somew^hat  fearful  about  this  matr 
ter,  as  we  have  not  received  any  information  as  yet  of  the 
act  on  the  part  of  the  Reverend  Fathers  of  the  Holland 
Synods  and  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  qualifying  him  as  minister, 
which  qualification  we  requested  last  year.  Meanwhile  there 
was  urgent  necessity  for  taking  such  a  step,  because  only 
through  such  a  capable  man  can  the  congregations  continue  to 
make  good  progress.  We  venture  to  hope  therefore,  that  the 
Reverend  Fathers  will  evince  a  kind  indulgence  with  regard 
to  this  man. 

5.  Regarding  Do.  Stoy,  who  in  letters  to  the  Reverend 
Fathers  preferred  accusations  against  us,  as  we  have  learned 
from  three  letters  which  we  have  received  from  the  Reverend 
Fathers  since  the  Coetus  held  in  Lancaster,  it  w^as  resolved, 
in  answer  to  the  earnest  request  of  the  Reverend  Fathers, 
to  mention  three  undeniable,  and  as  we  think,  sufficient  rea^ 
sons,  why  we  have  not  yet  received  Stoy  as  a  member  of 
Coetus  since  his  last  arrival  from  Germany. 

(1)  Do.  Sto3%  after  his  return  from  Germany,  did  not  re- 
port his  presence  to  Coetus,  although  the  Coetus  has  been 
held  twice,  at  which  meetings  he  might  have  presented  him- 
self,* but  it  was  not  done. 

(2)  It  is  also  well-known  that  during  that  time  he  lived 
here  as  a  private  person  conducting  a  small  business;  after 
that  time  it  once  more  came  into  his  mind  to  become  a  min- 
ister and  without  asking  our  permission  he  accepted  a  con- 
gregation associated  with  Tulpehocken,  which  up  that  time 
w^as  under  our  Coetal  jurisdiction ;  and  this  is  the  second 
reason  w^hy  we  did  not  admit  him. 

(3)  Mr.  Stoy  has  slandered  the  Reverend  Coetus  several 
times,  and  even  in  the  presence  of  two  membei-s  of  Coetus, 

*  From  this  statement  it  appenrs  that,  Stoy  returned  from  Europe  be- 
fore September,  1767. 


RECORDS  OF  1760.  289 

who  heard  him  say:  "  The  ministers  in  the  Coetus  are  all 
drunkards  and  good-for-nothing  fellows;"  but  afterwards  he 
excepted  a  few,  two  or  three,  whom  he  still  regarded  as  men. 
However,  we  can  bear  such  slanders  from  Stoy  with  patience. 
Moreover  he  is  a  man  of  such  character  that  it  is  altogether 
indifferent  to  us  whether  we  are  praised  or  vituperated  by 
him.  We,  therefore,  trust  that  the  Reverend  Fathers  of  the 
South  and  North  Holland  Synods  and  Classis  of  Amster- 
dam will  excuse  us  with  regard  to  Do.  Stoy. 

6.  In  regard  to  the  ministers  who  may  be  sent  to  us  this 
year  by  the  Reverend  Fathers,  it  was  resolved  that  the  first 
one  be  sent  to  Whitehall,  so  that  Do.  Gros  may  accept  his 
call  to  Saucon  and  Springfield;  the  second  Avhora  we  expect 
has  been  assigned  to  York  in  the  place  of  Otterbein  or  in  the 
place  of  Do.  Grobrecht,  if  he  should  accept  the  call  to  York 
before  that  time,  whereof  mention  was  made  above.  But  in 
case  more  than  two  ministers  come  over,  then  Dos.  Du  Bois, 
Weyberg,  Gros,  Faber  and  Pomp,  the  writer  of  this,  are 
hereby  commissioned  to  appoint  the  same  to  the  most  suit- 
able places. 

7.  The  congregations  which  at  present  are  in  need  of  min- 
isters are  the  follo\\dng:  (1)  Saucon  and  Springfield;  (2) 
Reading,  which  congregation  desires  that  Do.  Bueher  may  con- 
tinue supplying  them  every  fortnight,  as  he  began  to  do  this 
summer,  until  they  secure  again  a  minister  who  shall  reside 
in  Reading;  (3)  Lancaster,  which  since  the  departure  of  Do. 
Hendel  has  not  yet  expressed  to  us  its  desire;  (4)  Amwell,  a 
large  congregation,  w^hich  has  commended  itself  to  our  care. 
However,  we  do  not  yet  know  whether  it  can  contribute  the 
full  salary  for  a  minister;  (5)  Swatara  and  Conococheague. 

8.  It  was  resolved  to  hold  the  next  Coetus  again  on  the 
third  Wednesday  of  September,  next  year,  in  Philadelphia. 

9.  The  location  and  the  state  of  the  churches  of  each  min- 
ister are  as  follows :  It  mil  be  noted  that  in  the  first  column 
are  number  of  families,  in  the  second  the  baptized,  in  the 
third  the  members  received  by  confirmation.  This  report 
extends  from  one  annual  Coetus  to  the  next. 

19 


290 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Ministers. 

Do.  Gros. 

Do.  Wejberg. 
Do.  Hendel. 

Do.  Du  Bois. 
Do.  Lej'dich. 

Do.  Waldschmidt. 

Do.  Witner. 

Do.  Otterbein. 
Do.  Bucher. 

Do.  Henop. 

Do.  Gobrecht. 
Do.  Faber. 

Dr.  Daliker. 

Do.  Pomp. 

Do.  Weymer. 


Places  of 
Residence. 


Congregations.    I  ^   ' 

III 


Lives  with  family 
at  Whitehall 

Lives  with  family 
in  Philadelphia. 
Lives     now    with 
family  at  Tulpe- 
hocken. 
Lives  with  family 
at  Southampton. 
I  Lives  with  family 
I        at   Falkner 
!  Swamp. 

I  Lives  with  family 
j         at  Cacusi. 

Lives  with  family 
in  Lancaster  Co. 

i 

'  Lives  as  widower 
in  York  Co. 

Lives  with  fam- 
ily at  Lebanon. 

Not  married,  lives 
now   at  Fred- 
erick. 

Not  married,  lives 
at  Tohickon. 

Not  married,  lives 
at  Old  Goshen- 
hoppen. 

Not  married,  lives 
at  Rockaway. 

Not  married,  lives 

at  Falkner 

Swamp. 

Serves  four  cong., 
three  in  North- 
ampton Co. 


Allentown  . 

Egypt  .    .  . 

Schlosser's  . 

Jordan      .  . 

Philadelphia 


150 


90 


Reports  of  Lancaster    126 


Northampton  .    .    . 
I  Southampton  .    .    . 

Coventry.  j 

I  Upper  Milford.  | 

i  Pottstown.  I 

Cacusi I 

Epler I 

Cocalico I 

Muddy  Creek  •    •    •  i 

Zeltenreich  .    .    .    .  j 

Beyer's | 

Serves  several  congr.  i 
but  reports  only! 
about  York  •   •   •  i 

Serves  3  or  4  congr., 
reports  of  Lebanon,  i 

Reports  of —  I 

Easton  .    . 

Dryland    . 

Plainfield 

Greenwich 

Tohickon 

Indianfield 

Great  Swamp 

Old  Goshenhoppen 

New  Goshenhoppen 

Great  Swamp  . 

Rockaway    .    . 

Bethlehem  .    . 

Valley  .... 

Fox  Hill  .    .    . 


14 

16 
is! 
8|. 
95! 


-B 


30 


35 


64|     31 


15 


30 


20 


200     80 
in  3  years 


401     31 


50;     151 


15 


25     24!      5 

40     171 

28      14     23 


22     18 
45      21 


Falkner  Swamp 
Vincent    .    .    . 


Heydelberg 
Lynn    .    .    . 
Lowhill    .    . 
Greenwich ,     ( Berks 
Co.) 


28 
30 
30 
80 
30 
50 
28 

}50 

85 
30 


21 
16| 
30 
24 
16 
40 
38 


82|     35 


18 

12 

1 

11 

15 

1 

7 

13 

44 

24 
3 


18 


Do.  Jacob  Weymer,  who  was  recommended  to  the  Reverend 
Fatliers  for  favorable  reception  into  the  Coetus,  appeared  at 


EECOEDS  OF  1769. 


291 


this  meeting  with  an  elder  of  his  congregations,  who  gave  us 
a  very  good  testimonial  about  him. 

The  original  of  this  document  was  signed  by  all  the  quali- 
fied ministers  and  elders  as  follows: 


D.  Gros,  Pres., 
N.  Pomp,  Sec, 
F.  Daliker, 

C.  BUCHER, 

J.    G.   WiTTNER, 

J.  T.  Faber, 
Chr.  Gobrecht, 
J.  Ph.  Leidig, 
C.  Weyberg, 
J.  Waldschmidt, 
W.  Hendel, 
F.  L.  Henop, 
J.  Du  Bois, 
W.  Otterbein, 


Lewis  Knauss, 
Peter  Becker, 
John  Jung, 
Peter  Fischer, 
John  Zeller, 
Henry  Linnbacher, 
Henry  Ditlo, 
Henry  Van  der  Hoff, 
Jacob  Eied, 
George  Jaeger, 
Christian  Meng, 
Nicholas  Jung, 
Peter  Roth, 
William  Stumpff. 


This  is  certified  by  our  own  signature  in  the  name  of  Coetus. 

J.  D.  Gros. 
N.  Pomp. 


COETAL  LETTER  OP  1769. 
(Hague  92,  B.  94.) 

Very    Eeverend    and    Very    Learned    Sirs,    Dearly    Beloved    Fathers    in 

Christ  our  Lord: 

The  letters  of  the  Reverend  Fathers,  dated  The  Hague,  the  one  Sep- 
tember 20th,  1768,  the  other  AprH  24th,  1769,  were  duly  received  by 
us.  The  former,  which  arrived  here  last  spring,  contained  the  draft 
which  the  Reverend  Fathers  sent  us,  amounting  to  85  Pounds,  14 
Shillings  and  3  Pence.  Yet  by  these  letters  we  have  been  both  saddened 
and  encouraged.  We  are  sorry  that  the.  INIinutes  and  letters  of  our 
Coetus  were  received  by  our  Reverend  Fathers  at  such  a  late  date,  and 
that  on  this  account  your  fatherly  favor  diminished.  Our  dutiful  love 
joined  to  your  faith,  causes  us  to  be  grieved,  when  we  see  that  we 
are  looked  upon  by  our  patrons  as  men,  Avho  neglect  their  bounden 
duty  and  have  become  lukewarm  and  even  cold  towards  their  most 
gracious  benefactors.  Yet  in  this  we  have  such  confidence  in  the 
Reverend  Fathers  as  to  believe  that  the  apologies  which  we  here  make 
will  find  a  favorable  and  fatherly  hearing. 

Our  Coetus  is  not  held  before  the  mouth  of  September  and  it  is  not 
well  possible  to  hold  it  sooner,  both  on  account  of  the  very  great  heat 
of  the  summer,  and  also  because  of  the  work  on  the  farms  in  which  our 
people  are  engaged  at  that  time.  Now  when  the  Coetus  is  held  in 
the  month  of  September  there  is,  as  a  rule,  so  much  work  that  the 
secretary  can  only  briefly  note  the  main  points.  Afterwards  all  the 
members  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  subscribe  with  the  understanding  that 
the  secretary  shall  write  out  more  fully  at  home  the  points  noted 
by  him  and  that  he  shall  present  at  the  next  Coetus  a  copy  of  the 
minutes  and  letters  as  elaborated  by  him  and  sent  to  the  Reverend 
Fathers.  It  is  impossible  for  the  secretary  to  do  this  work  in  one 
week.  For  at  home  he  must  correctly  write  out  the  minutes  and  let- 
ters, and  make  three  copies  of  each,  one  for  the  Reverend  Synods 
of  North  and  South  Holland,  and  one  for  the  Reverend  Classis  of 
Amsterdam,  and  the  third  for  the  Reverend  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania. 
Perhaps  four  or  more  weeks  pnss  before  he  can  finish  this  work. 
For  at  that  time  there  are,  as  a  rule,  many  sick  people  who  must 
be  visited;  there  are  also  cases  of  death  w'hen  the  service  of  the 
minister  is  required.  Thus  almost  every  day  in  the  fall  brings  with 
it  official  duties,  which  interfere  with  his  work  as  secretary.  But 
when  he  has  finally  prepared  the  minutes  and  letters  then  it  is  neces- 
sary that  they  should  be  signed  by  the  president,  and  these  two  (the 
president  and  secretary)  often  live  at  so  great  a  distance  from  eaxih 
other    that    agnin    considerable    time    passes    before    the    signature    can 

(292) 


BECOEDS  OF  1769.  293 

be  obtained.  When  the  minutes  have  been  signed  a  journey  to  Phila- 
delphia must  be  made,  to  find  out  about  ships  that  go  either  to  Holland 
or  to  England.  But  one  does  not  always  find  a  ship  ready  to  depart, 
so  that  there  is  often  a  , delay  of  two  or  three  weeks.  Then  the 
winter  comes  on,  the  rivers  are  closed  with  ice  and  ships  cannot  sail 
before  spring.  Thus  it  happens  that  our  letters  are  not  sent  before 
spring,  which  has  occurred  several  times.  The  Reverend  Fathers  will 
therefore  excuse  us  that  for  several  years  our  letters  have  come  into 
their  hands  at  such  a  late  day.  In  future  we  will,  on  our  part,  use 
all  diligence  that  our  letters  reach  the  place  of  their  destination  earlier. 

We  heartily  rejoice  at  the  ever  continuing,  earnest  and  unselfish 
care  which  the  Reverend  Fathers  accord  us.  We  must  praise  God 
for  it  and  give  him  our  hearty  thanks,  that  he  in  his  eternal  love  and 
wisdom  has  ordained  the  best  ways  and  means  to  establish  and  preserve 
his  kingdom  of  grace  in  such  a  distant  land. 

The  charitable  donations  which  the  Reverend  Fathers  have  sent  this 
year  and  which  we  have  duly  received,  as  above  mentioned,  have  been 
distributed  as  well  as  possible,  according  to  your  fatherly  direction. 
They  were : 

£        s.      d. 

1.  According  to  the  letter  of  exchange  of  Mr.  Shoemaker, 

merchant  in  PhOadelphia 85     14       3 

2.  Of  Do.  Otterbein  by  assignment 7       2     10 

3.  Remainder  from  last  year 10     19       3 

Total 103     15     10* 

This  time  there  were  no  ministers  who  desired  a  supplement  to  their 
annual  salary.  There  was  indeed  one  in  our  midst  who  gave  us  to 
understand  that  his  yearly  salary  was  too  little,  but  as  he  owns  con- 
siderable real  estate  in  this  country,  so  that  he  can  live  without  this 
money,  he  allowed  himself  to  be  persuaded  by  our  gentle  remonstrances 
not  to  ask  for  an  increase.  Others  who  likewise  do  not  receive  their 
fuU  salary,  and  who  have  no  property  of  their  own,  are  satisfied  with 
their  small  salary,  and  will  rather  suffer  a  little  than  be  too  burden- 
some to  the  Reverend  Fathers. 

The  above-mentioned  sum  was  distributed  as  follows: 

£ 

1.  To  the  two  poor  widows  of  Dorsius  and  Muenz 10 

2.  To  five-  poor  school  teachers  in  our  congregations 12 

3.  To  Domines  Henop  and  Pomp,  whom  we  sent  last  year  as  dele- 

gates to  New  Brunswick,  for  their  fare 6 

Total 28 

The  remainder  has  been  divided  among  us  so  that  each  received 
as  his  share  5  Pounds,  8  Shillings  and  3  Pence. 

*  Thus  in  the  original.     It  ought  to  be  16. 


294  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

We  thank  the  Reverend  Fathers  for  these  fatherly  gifts,  but  es- 
I)ecially  do  we  thank  the  Most  High  Giver,  the  Father  of  Lights,  from 
whom  all  good  and  perfect  gifts  originally  come.  We  also  invoke  his 
gra^-e  and  spirit,  so  that  we  may  be  found  faithful  servants,  both  be- 
fore him  and  the  Reverend  Fathers,  who  truly  employ  the  gifts  be- 
stowed upon  them,  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  spread  of  his  kingdom. 

When  we  again  receive  such  charitable  gifts  we  shall  immediately 
upon  their  receipt  see  to  it  that  the  Reverend  Fathers  be  notified  thereof 
by  the  president  or  the  secretary.  We  now  enclose  in  this  letter  the 
Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Germantown,  September  20th  and  21st, 
1769,  and  commend  the  same  to  the  wise  examination  and  favorable 
judgment  of  the  Reverend  Fathers,  being  conscious  that  we  are  weak 
men  in  whom  there  is  a  want  of  sufficient  insight.  We  therefore  expect 
a   fatherly   judgment   concerning  them. 

We  are  very  sorry  that  we  had  to  note  many  things  in  our  Minutes, 
which  must  incur  the  displeasure  of  the  Reverend  Fathers  and  which 
may  perhaps  be  harmful  to  us.  But  we  are  glad  that  we  were  able 
to  report  with  certainty  many  indications  of  the  blessed  progress  of 
our  Church  on  this  side  of  the  ocean.  Moreover  we  wish  that  four  or 
five  ministers,  concerning  whom  we  wrote  to  the  Reverend  Fathers 
two  years  ago,  may  soon  come. 

May  the  all-sufl5cient  God  and  Father  of  all  grace,  who  has  raised 
up  the  Reverend  Fathers  for  the  establishment  of  his  kingdom  in  this 
country,  continue  to  preserve  your  dear  persons  in  his  gracious  pro- 
tection and  pour  our  blessing  after  blessing  upon  your  faithful  ser- 
vices and  families  for  the  spread  of  his  kingdom  and  the  glorification 
of  his  great  name. 

We  are  in  all  humility  and  due  reverence,  your  Reverences  and  Most 
liCarned  Sirs,  our  3\Iost  Beloved  Fathers'  in  Christ  our  Lord,  obedient 
and  submissive  servants, 

The  ministers  and  elders  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania. 
Signed  in  the  name  of  all  the  members  by 

D.  Gros,  p.  t.  President. 
N.    Pomp,    p.    t.    Secretary. 


MINUTES  OP  THE   COETUS  OP  1770. 

(N.  B.,  No.  1097;  Hague  92,  B.  98,) 

MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,  HELD  IN  THE  CITY 
OF  PHILADELPHIA,  SEPTEMBER   19,   20  AND  21,   1770. 

To  the  Reverend  Ministers  and  Elders  constituting  the  Chris- 
tian Classis  of  Amsterdam. 

With  due  reverence  and  love  we  hereby  submit  to  our 
Reverend  Pathers  the  Minutes  of  our  Coetus  with  the  earnest 
wish,  that  they  may  please  God  and  meet  with  the  approval 
of  our  Christian  Pathers. 

The  members  of  Coetus,  both  ministers  and  delegated 
eldei-s  met  in  the  schoolhouse  before  divine  service  began. 
The  ministers  were  the  following:  Dos.  Pomp,  (President, 
p.  t.,)  Weyberg,  Leidig,  Gros,  Hendel,  Paber,  Wittner, 
Daliker,  Gobrecht,  Du  Bois,  Waldschmidt,  Weymer,  Paeh- 
ring,  Henop,  (Secretary,  p.  t.,)  Do.  Bucher  was  absent  on 
account  of  sickness. 

Do.  Pomp,  as  President,  opened  the  Coetus  in  the  church  by 
a  sermon  on  Rom.  x.  17.  After  the  sermon  the  first  session 
was  appointed  for  2.  P.  M. 

FIRST  SESSION.      2   P.   M. 

Article  I. 
Do.  Pomp,  as  President,  asked  each  minister  concerning 
both  the  external  and  internal  condition  of  his  congrega- 
tions. In  regard  to  the  former,  many  were  satisfied,  others 
brought  in  complaints,  which  will  be  found  later  on.  In  re- 
gard to  the  internal  condition  of  the  congregations,  each  one 
found  reasons  to  make  sad  complaints,  like  David,  that  the 
faithful  had  become  few  among  the  children  of  men.  But 
some  also  found  reasons  to  praise  the  goodness  of  God,  be- 
cause their  work  did  not  seem  to  be  entirely  in  vain,  and  there 
still  remained  well-founded  reasons,  to  hope  that  God  would 
yet  bless  their  work  to  many  souls.  The  delegated  elders 
confirmed  the  reports  of  their  ministers.  May  God  at  all 
times  give  us  sure  grounds  of  such  hope.     May  we  also  in  the 

(295) 


296  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

future,  for  our  encouragement  and  comfort,  find  more  per- 
sons who  have  been  brought  from  darkness  to  light,  from 
the  power  of  Satan  to  God. 

Article  II. 
Two  membei-s  of  the  congregation  in  Baltimore  brought  in 
their  own  name  several  complaints  against  Mr.  Paber,  which 
were  meant  to  show  that  Mr.  Faber  was  not  earnest  enough 
in  his  conduct,  and  not  energetic  and  active  enough  in  his 
ministry.  ]Mr.  Faber,  on  the  other  hand,  brought  in  various 
complaints  against  his  accusers,  and  also  against  Mr.  Schwop 
(a  man  who  preaches  in  that  district)  that  through  him  the 
congregation  had  been  brought  into  confusion.  Therefore  it 
was  resolved,  because  these  ministers  submit  their  case  to  the 
judgment  of  Coetus,  although  they  are  no  members  of  Coetus, 
to  take  up  this  matter  and  investigate  the  accusations  and 
defenses  lodged  by  both  sides.  But  since,  after  the  hearing  of 
the  case,  no  definite  information  was  obtained,  as  each  party 
equally  appealed  to  witnesses,  therefore  Dos.  Gros  and 
Gobrecht  were  appointed  to  visit  these  congregations,  to  care- 
fully investigate  the  matter,  to  decide  according  to  their  con- 
science and  to  report  their  findings  to  the  Reverend  Coetus. 

Article  III. 

At  Conococheague,  which  region  is  about  eighty  miles  from 
Baltimore,  but  also  in  Maryland,  various  quarrels  have  oc- 
curred, which  the  writer  of  this  tried  to  adjust,  but  was 
treated  in  a  very  unfriendly  manner.  It  was  therefore  re- 
solved, that  Dos.  Gros  and  Gobrecht  shall  also  go  there,  and 
investigate  the  case,  and,  if  possible,  adjust  it.  Do.  Weymer 
has  been  called  to  that  place,  and  when  there  is  peace  in  the 
congregation,  he  will  accept  the  call  with  the  approval  of 
Coetus.  The  sects  make  strong  efforts  there,  and  the  district 
is  populous. 

SECOND  SESSION. 

9  A.  M.,  September  20th. 
Article  IV. 
In   the   hist  session   a  complaint  was  lodged  against  Do. 
Faehring  by  Sebastian  Mueller,  an  elder  of  the  congregation 
at  German  town.     The  accusation  was  to  the  effect  that  Do. 


BECORDS  OF  1770.  297 

Paeliring  had  in  a  sly  manner  eloped  with  Mueller's  daughter. 
But  we  could  not  come  to  a  decision  with  regard  to  this  case 
and  therefore  it  was  taken  up  again  to-day  and  more  fully 
investigated.  Then  the  following  action  was  taken,  that,  al- 
though Mr.  Faehring  had  some  cause  for  such  procedure,  yet 
the  way  in  which  he  had  entered  into  wedlock  was  very  offen- 
sive and  irregular.  Mr.  Faehring  showed  regret  and  re- 
pentance and  asked  the  Coetus  for  forgiveness.  With  this 
Coetus  was  satisfied. 

Article  V. 

The  resolution  of  last  year  in  regard  to  tlie  four  congre- 
gations which  Do.  Gros  serves,  was  confirmed.  The  resolu- 
tion is  as  follows:  that,  because  Do.  Gros  goes  to  Saucon  and 
Springfield,  tlie  congregations  which  he  leaves  shall  be  sup- 
plied by  the  first  capable  minister  who  may  be  sent  to  us  by 
the  Christian  Fathers,  in  order  that  this  vineyard,  so  prone 
to  turn  into  a  wilderness,  may  not  again,  from  want  of 
cultivation,  be  entirely  destroyed  and  become  unfruitful. 

Article  YI. 

The  complaints,  which  in  1769  at  Germantown  were  pre- 
ferred against  Do.  Wittner  on  account  of  negligence  in  his 
ministry,  were  investigated  by  the  Committee  appointed  to 
do  this,  Dos.  Hendel  and  Bucher,  and  afterward  by  a  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  Dos.  Gros,  Pomp,  Hendel,  Bucher,  Faber 
and  Gobrecht.  Now  since  Do.  Wittner,  as  well  as  his  con- 
gregations, declared,  that  he  could  no  longer  labor  among  them 
with  any  success  and  for  this  reason  they  had  released  ea<ih 
other  from  their  mutual  obligation,  the  committee  deemed  it 
advisable  temporarily  to  dissolve  the  pastoral  relation  until 
the  next  Coetus.  After  hearing  the  report  of  the  commit- 
tee it  was  resolved  to  confirm  their  action  and  to  recommend 
Mr.  Wittner  to  the  congregations  at  Worcester,  Witpen  and 
Providence,  of  which  the  first  two  had  thus  far  been  served 
from  Germantown,  and  to  propose  to  these  congregations  to 
give  Mr.  AYittner  a  call.  But  we  are  afraid  that  these  con- 
gregations will  not  call  Mr.  Wittner,  and  prefer  to  remain 
in  their  former  condition.  Do.  Wittner,  on  account  of  his 
melancholy  temperament,  is  despised  and  hated  by  everybody. 


298  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

If  no  congregation  wants  liim  as  its  minister,  for  which  office 
he  is  unfortunately  ahnost  unfit,  then  we  do  not  know  what 
to  do  and  we  shall  become  uneasy.  0,  that  the  hand  of  God 
might  send  able  workers  into  this  gi'eat  harvest  to  remove 
offense  and  injury  which  our  Church  has  been  compelled  to 
suffer  for  several  years  by  some  wolves,  especially  Zufall, 
Berger  and  Lange. 

THIRD  SESSION.      2  P.  M. 

Article  VII. 
Since  the  departure  of  Mr.  Hendel  the  congregation  in 
Lancaster  has  been  supplied  with  preaching  and  catechizing 
by  a  young  man,  named  Casper  Wack,  according  to  his  know- 
ledge, which  he  gained  in  a  three  year's  course  of  instruction 
under  Do.  Weyberg.  However,  the  congregation  made  an 
urgent  request  for  an  ordained  minister  and  gave  a  special 
call  to  Do.  Faber  of  Goshenhoppen.  But  since  he  had  many 
scruples  wdth  regard  to  leaving  his  congregations  he  asked 
for  four  weeks  time  to  consider,  which  was  granted  him  by 
the  Reverend  Coetus,  and  it  was  at  once  resolved  that  he 
might  accept  the  call  ^vithout  waiting  for  a  further  decision 
of  the  Coetus.  But  if  Do.  Faber  should  not  be  willing  to 
accept  the  call,  and  desires  to  remain  in  Goshenhoppen,  then 
young  Wack  shall  continue  to  supply  the  congregation  in 
Lancaster  with  preaching  and  catechizing  as  before,  until  the 
congregation  can  be  provided  with  a  capable  minister. 

Article  VIII. 
The  unfortunate  congregation  in  Reading,  which  was  both 
externally  and  internally  demoralized  by  Berger,  extended 
a  call  to  Do.  Bueher.  But  because  he  is  not  present,  on  ac- 
count of  sickness,  it  was  resolved  to  leave  the  decision  of  the 
case  to  the  conscience  of  IVIr.  Bueher,  because  he  best  knows 
the  condition  of  the  congregation,  since  he  has  supplied  it 
for  a  year  as  a  branch  congregation. 

Article  IX. 

The  congregation  in  York,  which  was  served  by  Do.  Otter- 

bein,  sent  in  the  following  petition,  that  provision  might  be 

made  to  supply  the  congregation  by  the  neighboring  ministers 

until   the  return   of  Do.   Otterbein.     Thereupon  it  was   re- 


BE  COEDS  OF  1770.  299 

solved,  that  the  neighboring  ministers  shall  go  there  as  often 
as  their  circumstances  will  permit  and  comply  T^ith  the  re- 
quest of  the  congregation. 

Article  X. 

A  call  came  from  the  congregations  of  Muddy  Creek, 
Cocalico,  Seltenreich  and  Reyer's  Church  for  Mr.  Gobrecht. 
But  because  Mr.  Gobrecht  had  manj"  scruples  about  leading  his 
congregations,  four  weeks  time  for  consideration  were  given 
him,  and  he  was  charged  to  report  his  decision  to  the  Reverend 
Coetus. 

Article  XI. 

An  urgent  petition  came  to  us  from  the  congregation  at  Am- 
well,  which  Do.  Daliker  had  left  on  account  of  dissensions, 
that  the  Rev.  Coetus  might  pro\'ide  the  same  with  an  upright 
minister.  But  because  it  is  uncertain,  whether  this  congre- 
gation alone  can  support  a  minister,  and  moreover  it  is  im- 
probable that  their  request  can  soon  be  complied  with,  there- 
fore it  was  resolved,  that  the  congregation  shall  be  served  by 
the  neighboring  ministers  as  often  as  possible,  until  we  are 
able  to  give  them  a  minister  of  their  own. 

Article  XJI. 
Because  many  of  the  elders  were  anxious  to  return  home, 
since  some  of  them  had  been  absent  from  their  families  for 
more  than  a  week,  and  at  their  own  cost,  and  some  ha\dng 
from  eighty  to  a  hundred  or  more  miles  to  their  homes,  there- 
fore several  asked  to  be  dismissed.  Only  one  other  resolu- 
tion was  passed,  namely  that  the  coming  Coetus  should  be  held 
in  Reading  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  October.  Then 
Coetus  was  in  so  far  concluded  that  each  of  the  ministers 
Biidi  elders  present  at  the  meeting  signed  the  i\Iinutes.  That 
which  yet  remained  to  be  transacted  was  taken  up  on  the  fol- 
knving  day  by  the  ministers,  all  of  whom  were  still  present, 
together  with  the  remaining  elders. 

FOURTH  SESSION. 

9  A.  M.,  September  21st. 
Article  XIII. 
Mr.  Pythan,  of  whom  we  had  the  honor  to  report  in  our  last 


300  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Minutes,  that  he  had  been  sent  to  Easton  on  trial,  was  accused 
and  con\dcted  of  an  offensive  and  godless  life.  After  earnest 
remonstrances  and  censures  he  confessed  his  failings.  We 
have  resolved  to  allow  him  to  preach  for  a  while  longer  in 
Easton,  and  if  only  once  more  well-founded  accusations 
should  be  preferred  against  him,  to  declare  him,  without  any 
further  proceedings,  by  the  president  and  another  commis- 
sioner, before  the  congregations,  as  a  man  unfit  and  unworthy 
of  the  ministry,  and  to  free  the  congregations  of  him,  and 
have  them  served  by  neighboring  ministers  until  they  can  be 
served  by  another  minister ;  and  we  will  then  have  no  further 
communication  with  Mr.  Pythan. 

Article  XIV. 

More  than  once  it  has  occurred  that  great  confusion  and 
discontent  have  arisen,  when  ministers  from  other  denomina- 
tions, or  such  as  were  not  members  of  Coetus,  desired  to  preach 
in  our  churches.  Some  members  of  the  congregation  some- 
times wanted  it,  othei-s  were  against  it.  Those  who  could  not 
gain  their  end  were  dissatisfied  with  the  others,  and  thus  there 
arose  at  times  want  of  love,  coldness,  and  even  hatred  and 
bitterness  among  the  members  of  the  congregation  and  often 
also  a  coldness  of  many  people  against  the  church  itself,  on 
account  of  these  quarrels.  Therefore  it  was  resolved,  in  order 
to  prevent  further  strife  and  confusion,  that  no  minister,  who 
is  not  under  the  Coetus,  or  dependent  on  the  Coetus,  or  a 
member  of  another  Coetus  of  our  Reformed  Church,  shall 
preach  in  our  churches  and  congregations;  and  also,  that  no 
member  of  Coetus,  by  his  own  power  and  authority,  and  with- 
out the  loiowledge  and  consent  of  the  elders,  shall  have  the 
liberty  to  allow  another  minister,  to  preach  in  the  congre- 
gation or  church. 

Article  XV. 

Likew^ise,  for  the  sake  of  order  and  peace,  the  following 
resolution  was  passed :  If  a  minister  labors  with  success  and 
blessing  in  a  congregation,  where  there  are  two  parties  against 
each  other,  and  one  party  calls  another  minister  to  preach 
sometimes  for  them,  with  the  consequence  that  the  otlier  party 
is  provoked  and  offended  thereby,  so  that  both  parties  become 
all  the  more  estranged  from  each  other,  it  is  resolved  in  order 


RECORDS  OF  1770. 


301 


to  avoid  such  quarrels,  that  a  minister,  called  by  one  party, 
shall  refuse  the  call. 

Article  XVI. 

Mr.  Schwop,  who  already  in  the  Coetus  at  Germanto^vn 
submitted  to  an  examination,  petitioned  the  Reverend  Coetus 
for  ordination,  and  showed  his  willingness  to  be  examined. 
After  his  reasons  had  been  considered  it  was  resolved  by  a 
majority  of  votes,  that  after  his  affairs  (mentioned  under 
Art.  II.)  haA^e  been  investigated,  he  shall  be  ordained  by  Dos. 
Pomp  and  Hendel,  after  he  has  passed  his  examination,  pro- 
vided that  the  commissioners,  Dos.  Gros  and  Gobrecht,  ap- 
pointed to  investigate  his  affairs,  bring  in  no  objections  and 
consider  the  ordination  necessary  from  the  nature  of  that 
region  and  those  congregPotions,  The  scarcity  of  faithful  min- 
isters especially  in  Maryland,  induces  us  to  accept  as  our 
brother  every  one  w^ho  may  be  a  fit  instrument  for  the  edi- 
fication and  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of  God.  We  ex- 
pect this  of  Mr.  Schwop,  and  are  therefore  hopeful  that  the 
Reverend  Fathers  will  not  be  surprised  by  such  steps,  but 
approve  of  them,  especially  because  we  seek  nothing  by  them, 
but  the  salvation  of  souls  and  the  honor  of  our  God. 

Article  XVIL 
The  status  of  the  congregations  is  as  follows  : 


Ministers. 


Weyberg 
Du  Bois  . 

Pomp    . 


Hendel    .  . 

Leidig  .    .  . 

Gobrecht  .  . 

Faebring  .  . 


Congregations. 


Philadelphia 
I  Southampton 
Falkner  Swamp 
j  Vincent    .    .    . 
iTulpehocken 
iMiihlbach    .    . 
Bethel      .    .    , 
Heidelberg  .    . 
Coventry  .    .    . 
Upper  Milford. 
;Pottsgrove   .    . 
jTohickon .    .    . 
j  Indian  Field    . 
I  Great  Swamp 
iGermantown    . 
jWitpen.    .    .    , 
i  Worcester    .    . 


Fam. 

180 
90 
90 
34 
37 
34 
32 
23 

150 


96 

52 
15 

20 


Bapt. 


100 
19 
40 
22 
14 
11 
9 
6 

62 


46 

33 

10 


16 


37 


50 
60 


302 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Pastor. 


Weymer  . 


Dallicker 


Place. 


Fam.    BapU       Conf. 


Henop 


Faber 


{ 

r|Fr 

I  In 

f'o 


Waldschmidt 


Gros 


Heidelberg 
Lynntown 
AJbany.    , 
Greenwich 
Lowhill    . 
Kockaway 
Alexandria      .    .    . 
Valley  and  Foxhill. 
Frederick     .... 

Glade 

the  Mountains.* 
Old  Goshenhoppen. 
~'evv  Goshenhoppen. 
Great  Swarap  .    .    . 

iCacusi 

JEpler 

Cocalico 

Allegheny    .    .    .    . 
Northampton. 
(AUentown)    .    . 

Egypt 

Jordan  

Schlosser's   .    .    ,    . 
ISaucon     


Springfield  . 


75 
14 
10 
29 
20 
53 
39 
67 
110 
40 
42 
40 
80 
35 
321 
20  I 
25  I 
22  J 

26 
36 
16 
35 
80 
47 


20 

10 

8 

9 

7 

43 
22 
51 
46 
20 
40 
20 
30 
15 


32 


11 
14 
9 
16 
16 
15 


14 

4 
5 
8 

8 

11 

18 
11 
13 
10 
15 
18 
30 
18 


45 


22 


Salary. 


} 


40  pounds. 


80 


90 


65 


50 


N.  B.  When  each  of  these  charges  [served  by  Do.  Gros]  is  served  sep- 
arately, each  makes  up  a  salary  of  £70,  namely,  the  first  four  and  the 
other  two  congregations,  but  because  both  are  served  at  the  same  time 
the  salary  was  divided  among  all  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  their 
services. 

Saucon  and  Springfield  served  on  every  fourth  Sunday  till  Coetus. 

Wittner  made  no  report  of  his  congregations  or  salary. 
Nor  did  Bucher  send  in  a  report. 

Article  XVIII. 
The  charitable  donations  were  distributed  as  follows : 


To  the  two  widows , 12 

Traveling  expenses  of  Dos.  Gros  and  Grobrecht 

to  Maryland 6 

To  Do.  Faehring,  to  pay  a  debt  contracted  by  him 

during  his  studies. . . ., 6 

To  each  minister  present  at  Coetus,  3  Pounds  each  39 
Do.  Wittner,  on  account  of  pitiable  circumstances  10 
Five  needy  school-teachers,  each  2£.  10s 12 


4 

10 


Total 85    14 

*  Middletown,  Frederick  Co.,  Md.,  at  the  South  Mountain. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1770.  303 

Note.  These  85  pounds,  14  shilings  and  3  pence  are  ac- 
cording to  the  present  rate  of  exchange  600  guilders. 

The  assignment  to  Mr.  Otterbein,  Mr.  Hendel  has  promised 
to  pay,  because  of  the  former's  absence,  at  the  next  Coetus, 
wherewith  Coetus  is  satisfied. 

Whereas  the  three  pounds  which  each  minister  received 
were  regarded  as  a  compensation  for  the  troublesome  and 
expensive  journey,  Mr.  Otterbein  and  Bucher  were  excluded 
because  of  their  absence. 

After  this  had  been  transacted  we  parted  in  love  from  each 
other  and  each  one  went  again  to  his  congregations. 

May  God  endow  every  one,  through  the  power  of  his  Spirit, 
with  all  the  abilities  and  gifts,  which  are  needed  by  the  watch- 
men who  stand  on  the  walls  of  Jerusalem.  May  he  make  us 
faithful  servants  of  Jesus  Christ  and  all  of  us  instruments, 
whereby  his  holy  Kingdom  may  be  promoted  and  many  souls 
be  brought  into  obedience  to  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ.  May 
he  do  this  for  the  sake  of  his  eternal  compassion  and  love. 
Amen.  Nicholas  Pomp,  p.  t.  President. 

In  the  original  signed  by 

Frederick  Levhs  Henop,  p.  t.  Secretary. 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  THE  SYNODS, 
DECEMBER  1,  1770. 

(Hague  92,  B.  99.) 

To    the   Eeverend   Sirs,   Deputies    of    the    Christian   Synods    of    South 

and  NoHh  Holland. 

Very  Honored,  Very  Learned  Sirs,  Very  Gracious  Fathers  in  Christ. 

It  was  on  May  16th  and  17th,  1770,  when  we  had  the  honor  to 
receive,  in  good  order,  the  letters  sent  by  your  Reverences,  the  one 
dated  October  9,  1768,  and  the  other  October  11,  1768,  from  the  Hague; 
and  before  we  had  an  opportunity  of  presenting  them  to  the  Coetus 
we  were  again  so  fortunate  as  to  receive  two  other  letters,  of  the 
same  contents,  from  Rotterdam,  June  26,  1770,  containing  a  draft  for 
six  hundred  guilders  and  an  assignment  of  50  guilders  for  Do.  Otterbein. 

In  the  contents  of  these  letters  Coetus  found  new  reasons  to  praise 
the  goodness  of  the  Lord,  and,  since  Do.  Henop,  the  present  Secretary, 
is  too  far  away,  the  writer  of  this  letter  was  appointed  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  the  same  and  to  thank  your  Reverences  for  your  per- 
severing, fatherly  solicitude,  which  you  continue  to  show  for  our  church 
and  for  us,  weak  overseers,  of  the  same. 

We  return,  then,  most  hearty  thanks  for  the  unfailing  demonstrations 
of  love,  of  which  we  have  not  only  the  most  confident  assurances,  but 
also  the  most  real  evidences,  again  before  us. 

The  approval  with  which  your  Reverences  received  our  transactions, 
renew  in  us  the  tender  emotions  which  children  feel  over  the  approval 
of  those  to  whose  efforts  and  care  their  interests  have  been  entrusted. 
And  we  are  glad  that  the  privileges  *  accorded  to  us,  place  us  in  a  posi- 
tion to  show  our  gratitude,  whereas  an  external  limitation  of  our 
privileges  would  have  left  us  only  a  sense  of  our  obligation.  We  also 
trust  that  the  disposition  of  the  donations  \vill  receive  the  approval 
of  the  Christian  Synods  and  Classis.  We  shall  use  all  our  powers  more 
and  more  to  deserve  the  great  confidence  your  Reverences  have  been 
pleased  to  place  in  our  fidelity.  For  this  reason  we  have  taken  the 
pains  to  include  our  incomes  in  the  report  on  the  state  of  the  church. 
Do.  Bucher  was  not  in  attendance,  and  we  regret  that,  owing  to  his  fail- 
ure to  report,  there  is  a  blank;  we  are  however  fairly  certain  as  to  his 
salary,  which  we  estimate  at  about  70  Pounds. 

It  seems  to  us  from  a  remark  in  the  letters  mentioned  above,  that 
your  Reverences  liave  misunderstood  the  intention  of  the  Coetus  in 
the  request  concerning  the  rlistribution  of  the  donations,  as  if  somc^  .'f 

*  This  statement  refers  to  the  imi)ortant  privilege  of  ordaining  min- 
isters, provided  the  consent  of  the  Fathers  had  been  obtained. 

(304) 


BECOEDS  OF  1770.  395 

our  number  desired  the  apportionment  to  be  made  in  Holland.  Xn, 
we  have  the  pleasure  to  assure  the  Christian  Fathers,  that  all  the 
members  are  well  satisfied  with  equal  parts,  or  willingly  leave  the 
whole  distribution  to  the  judgment  of  the  Christian  Fathers. 

The  propositions  made  to  us  bv  the  brethren  in  Xew  York  ajid 
New  Jersey,  of  which  pour  Eeverences  desire  to  be  informed  more  de- 
finitely, were  essentially  as  follows:  That  a  Synod  should  be  organ- 
ized, which  should  stand  in  fraternal  co-ordination  and  correspondence 
with  the  Christian  Synods  of  the  Xetherlands:  that  the  ministers  of 
each  State  constitute  a  Classis:  and  that  delegates  from  each  Classis 
be  sent  to  the  Synod  in  order  to  take  care  of  the  affairs  of  the  whole 
church  in  this  part  of  the  world.  Having  declined  these  propositions, 
as  appears  from  our  reports,  no  further  representations  have  been  made 
since   that   time. 

After  the  adjournment  of  the  Coetus,  the  following  changes  oc- 
curred, and  we  were  commissioned  to  report  them  to  the  Christian 
Synods  and  Classis.  The  delegates,  Dos.  Gobrecht  and  Gros  were, 
through  the  favor  of  God,  so  fortunate  as  to  restore  peace  at 
Conococheague  (Art  III)  and  Do.  Weymer  has  accepted  a  call  to 
preach  there,  and  is  to  receive  a  salary  of  about  seventy  pounds.  Do. 
Gros  has  accepted  the  call  to  Saucon  and  Springfield,  but  continues, 
according  to  Art.  Y.,  to  minister  to  the  congregations  he  has  left, 
until  the  first  minister,  who  shall  be  sent  to  us,  can  be  installed  there. 
<•  The  congregations  of  which  mention  was  made  in  article  VI.  of  the 
proceedings,  have  refused  Do.  TVittner. 

Do.  Faber  has  concluded  to  remain  at  Goshenhoppen.  Lancaster 
therefore   continues  vacant. 

Do.  Gobrecht  has  accepted  a  eaU,  according  to  Art.  X.,  to  the  con- 
gregations in  which  Do.  Wittner  formerly  preached. 

Mr.  Pythan  was  deposed  on  account  of  his  continued  ungodly  life. 
The  congregations  are  therefore  particularly  commended  to  the  fatherly 
care  of  your  Eeverences. 

The  committee  sent  to  Maryland,  Dos.  Gobrecht  and  Gros,  provis- 
ionally report,  that  Do.  Schwop  appears  to  them  in  many  respects 
worthy  of  recommendation,  that  he  manifests  eminent  qualifications, 
and,  as  far  as  they  can  find,  seems  innocent  of  the  misconduct,  charged 
against  him,  namely  injustice  and  dishonesty.  TVith  regard  to  the  charge 
of  sectarianism  nothing  definite  could  be  established.  On  the  con- 
trary many  evidences  of  his  innocence  and  piety  came  to  light.  How- 
ever, they  are  of  the  opinion,  that  the  question  should  be  considered 
by  the  whole  Coetus,  in  order  that  nothing  be  done  in  so  important 
a  matter,  without  the  wise  counsel  of  the  Christian  Synods  and  Classis. 
We  hope  by  the  next  meeting  of  the  Coetus,  to  receive  your  fatherly 
direction,  and  also  to  be  able  to  report  more  fully  on  the  needy  con- 
dition   of    Maryland. 

From  the  proceedings  and  what  we  have  communicated  with  regard 
to  the  changes  which  have  occurred  since  the  meeting  of  the  Coetus, 
20 


306  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

your  Eeverences  will  easily  see,  how  necessary  it  is  for  us  to  pray 
God,  continually  to  use  your  Reverences  as  blessed  means  for  sending 
faithful   laborers   into    his   harvest. 

The  Lord,  the  All-sufRcient  God,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace, 
bless  your  Eeverences  both  in  this,  as  well  as  in  all  things  affecting 
your  office,  persons  and  several  families. 

We  have  the  honor,  with  due  esteem  and  love  to  your  Eeverences,  our 
most  gracious  Fathers  in  Christ,  to  be  your  loyal  servants,  in  the 
name  of  all,  Nicholas  Pomp,  President. 

J.  D.  Gros,  Secretary. 

Done  at  Lower  Saucon,  December  7th,  1770. 

P.  S.  The  proceedings  proper  have  been  prepared  by  the  Secretary, 
Do.  Henop,  but  the  writer  of  this  was  authorized  by  him  to  transmit 
a  duplicate  copy. 


MINUTES  OF  THE   COETUS  OF  1771. 
(N.  B,  No.  1103;  Hague  92,  B.  102.) 

MINUTES   OF   THE   COETUS   OF   PENNSYLVANIA,    HELD   IN    RE.VDING 
THE    9th    and    10th    of    OCTOBER,    1771. 

Very  Revererid,  Most  Worthy  and  Learned,  and  Especially 
Much  Esteemed  Fathers  in  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Christ: 
We  hereby  submit,  with  due  reverence,  to  the  Reverend 
Fathers  the  i\Iiniites  of  our  Coetus,  with  the  g:ood  hope  and 
cordial  wish  that  they  may  please  the  great  God,  and  also  the 
Reverend  Fathers. 

The  Coetus  was  held  in  the  Church,  and  both  the  ministers 
and  delegated  elders  met  there.  The  ministers  were  the  fol- 
lowing: Domines  Henop  (p.  t.  Pres.),  Weyberg,  Faehring, 
Pomp,  Gros,  Otterbein,  Blumer,  Boehm,  Hendel,  Bucher, 
Weymer,  Waldschmidt,  Gobreeht,  TTittner.  Dos.  Leydich  and 
Daelliker  were  not  present  on  account  of  ill  health.  Do. 
Du  Bois  was  also  absent,  but  for  what  reason  is  not  known 
to  us. 

Do.  Henop,  as  President,  opened  the  Coetus  in  the  church 
mth  a  sermon  on  j\Iatthew  x.  16.  After  the  service,  the  first 
session  was  appointed  for  2  P.  M. 

FIRST   SESSION.      2    P.   M. 

Article  I, 
Do.  Henop,  as  President,  asked  each  minister  concerning 
both  the  external  and  internal  condition  of  his  congregations. 
In  regard  to  the  external  condition  of  the  congregations,  each 
one  had  reason  to  complain,  and  to  wish  that  more  progress 
had  been  made,  but  every  one  was  also  hopeful  of  not  losing 
courage,  and  thankful  to  God  because  with  some  his  ministry 
had  brought  forth  fruit.  The  delegated  elders  confirmed  the 
reports  of  their  ministers.  The  Lord  grant  us  grace  that  each 
of  us  in  future  may  have  sure  ground  for  such  hope,  and  thus 
each  one  for  his  encouragement  and  comfort  henceforth  find 
more  awakened  souls.  Each  minister  was  also  asked  whether, 
at  the  proper  time,  he  conducted  the  usual  catechization.     On 

(307) 


308  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

this  point  there  were  also  no  complaints  from  the  delegated 
elders. 

Article  II. 

Do.  Boelim,  who  arrived  here  last  fall,  was  sent  to  Lan- 
caster, with  the  understanding  that  if  the  congregation  in 
Lancaster  had  no  complaints  to  bring  against  him  by  the  next 
Coetus  and  should  unanimously  desire  him  as  minister,  he 
should  then  be  the  minister  there.  And  now  since  Mr.  Boehm 
has  conducted  himself  so  well  that  not  the  least  improper 
action  can  be  charged  against  him  in  his  life  or  in  doctrine, 
and  has  won  the  undi\dded  love  and  esteem  of  his  congrega- 
tion, therefore  a  call  was  presented  in  which  the  congregation 
requested  that  Mr.  Boehm  might  continue  its  minister  in  the 
future,  which  was  approved  by  the  Reverend  Coetus. 

In  connection  with  this,  we  must  mention  to  the  Reverend 
Fathers  something  ^vith  regard  to  the  congregation  at  Pequea, 
about  ten  miles  from  Lancaster.  Two  men,  delegates  from 
this  congregation,  presented  complaints,  as  follows:  They  de- 
mand to  be  served  by  the  pastor  of  Lancaster — as  was  formerly 
the  case  under  the  pastorates  of  Dos.  Stoy,  Otterbein  and 
Ilendel — in  the  afternoon  of  eveiy  fourth  Sunday  in  summer, 
and  in  winter  whenever  it  is  most  suitable  for  the  minister. 
The  congregation  in  Lancaster,  however,  ^\dll  not  agree  to  this, 
claiming  that  the  congregation  and  the  number  of  its  young 
people  are  so  large  that  its  minister  has  enough  to  do  in  faith- 
fully serving  them,  and  for  this  reason  refuses  to  allow  its 
minister  to  serve  the  congregation  at  Pequea. 

But  the  people  of  Pequea  think  they  have  a  claim  on  the 
minister  in  Lancaster,  and  this  claim,  according  to  their  state- 
ment, consists  in  the  follo^\nng:  At  the  time  when  Mr.  Stoy 
preached  in  Lancaster  he  also  supplied  the  congregation  at 
Pequea.  Now  the  congregation  at  Pequea  had  some  money 
in  hand,  and  the  congregation  in  Lancaster  was  about  to  build 
a  new  church,  and  as  it  was  too  weak  alone  to  raise  the  neces- 
sary amount  for  a  church,  Mr.  Stoy  advised  the  congregation 
at  Pequea  to  contribute  their  ready  money  for  the  new  church 
in  Lancaster,  especially  since  at  that  time  the  people  of  Pequea 
attended  church  there.  Finally,  the  people  of  Pequea  built 
a  church  for  themselves,  partly  because  it  was  too  far  to  go 


EECOBDS  OF  1771.  309 

to  Lancaster,  and  partly  because,  on  account  of  the  weather, 
it  was  very  burdensome  in  ^\dnter.  Mr.  Stoy,  at  the  same 
time,  assured  the  congregation  at  Pequea  that  in  future  it 
should  always  be  served  by  the  minister  in  Lancaster,  namely, 
as  stated  above,  in  the  afternoon  of  every  fourth  Sunday  in 
summer,  and  in  winter  whenever  it  might  be  most  suitable  to 
the  minister.  This  concession  was  approved  by  the  congrega- 
tion in  Lancaster.  Novv,  since  the  congregation  at  Pequea  is 
not  served  (as  it  had  been  by  the  three  ministers  named 
above)  hy  Mr.  Boehm,  as  minister  of  the  congregation  in  Lan- 
caster, because  the  latter  does  not  allow  it,  therefore  the  com- 
plaint, mentioned  above,  was  presented. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  deemed  it  just,  and  resolved  that 
either  the  minister  in  Lancaster  should  preach  at  Pequea 
every  fourth  Sunday,  or,  if  this  can  not  be  done,  the  congre- 
gation in  Lancaster  shall  return  the  money  received  under 
such  conditions  and  used  for  its  church.  This  was  recog- 
nized as  just  by  us.  but  was  only  our  advice  in  the  matter. 

Article  III. 

A  complaint  was  received  from  the  Heidelberg  congrega- 
tion (situated  in  Berks  county),  which  was  served  by  Mr. 
Waldschmidt.  The  complaint  stated  that  the  church  attend- 
ance of  this  congregation  had  greatly  decreased  for  several 
years  on  account  of  the  ser^dce  of  Mr.  Waldschmidt.  The 
reason  is  that  Mr.  ^^aldschmidt  had  been  somewhat  lazy  and 
negligent  in  the  ministry.  For  this  reason  the  love  of  the 
membei^  of  the  congregation  towards  him  had  entirely  van- 
ished, and  there  were  only  a  few  who  liked  to  hear  him. 
They,  therefore,  had  deemed  it  ad%4sable  to  consult  with  the 
congregation  in  Reading  (which  is  at  a  distance  of  about 
seven  miles)  whether  it  would  give  them  a  share  in  its  min- 
ister, which  the  congregation  in  Reading  granted.  They, 
therefore,  allowed  their  minister  to  serve  the  Heidelberg  con- 
gi-egation  every  third  Sunday.  This  was  approved  by  the 
Reverend  Coetus. 

Article  IT. 

The  congregation  at  !\Iaxatawny.  which  was  formerly  served 
by  Do.  Michael,  but  has  been  for  quite  a  time  without  any 


310  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

minister,  requested  the  Reverend  Coetiis  to  help  it  as  much  as 
possible.  This  congregation  has  suffered  very  much,  partly 
through  bad  ministers,  partly  because  for  a  long  time  they 
have  had  no  minister  at  all.  There  are  only  a  few  who  really 
profess  the  true  doctrine  of  our  religion;  the  majority  of  this 
congregation  profess  no  religion  at  all.  Yet  it  seems  that 
many  souls  could  yet  be  saved  and  led  to  the  true  w^ay  of  life 
if  a  good  minister  could  be  placed  over  this  congregation,  as 
is  its  desire.  Some  of  our  brethren  have  served  the  congre- 
gation by  request,  and  have  noticed  that  most  of  the  people 
are  very  desirous  and  attentive  tx)  hear  the  Word  of  God. 
They  also  asked  for  a  continuation  of  these  services,  which 
were  held  until  the  present  time.  To  this  end  they  appeared 
this  year  before  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  asked  us  not  to 
abandon  them,  but  rather  to  seek  the  lost  among  them.  It 
was,  therefore,  resolved  by  the  Reverend  Coetus,  in  regard  to 
this  congregation,  that  in  future  it  shall  be  served,  from  time 
to  time,  by  the  neighboring  ministers,  until  we  may  be  better 
able  later  on  to  supply  it  with  a  minister  of  its  own.  The  fol- 
lowing were  chosen  to  serve  this  congregation,  namely :  Donii- 
nes  Pomp,  Blumer,  Boos,  and  the  Secretary. 

Article  Y. 
The  congregation  in  Baltimore,  which  was  thus  far  served 
by  ]\Ir.  Paber,  is  not  yet  harmonious,  but  the  condition  is  the 
same  as  a  year  ago.  The  Reverend  Fathers  v/ill  remember, 
from  the  ]\iinutes  of  last  year,  that  quarrels  arose  in  said  con- 
gregation, and  that  some  members  separated  themselves  from 
those  who  adhered  to  Mr.  Faber  and  joined  themselves  to 
Mr.  Schwob,  who  sometimes  preached  there.  Later,  a  report 
will  be  given  to  the  Reverend  Fathers  about  Mr.  Schwob. 
The  two  deputies,  Dos.  Oros  and  Gobrecht,  visited  the  congre- 
gation in  Baltimore,  and  expected  to  make  peace  between  the 
two  parties,  and  it  seemed,  after  the  conclusion  of  their  labors, 
as  if  peace  had  again  been  established.  But  in  the  present 
Coetus,  the  party  which  separated  from  Mr.  Faber  again 
])rought  in  the  old  complaints  against  him,  namely,  that  he 
was  not  zealous  and  energetic  enough  in  his  ministry,  and  for 
this  reason  they  could  not  unite  with  the  other  party.  But 
the  other  party  was  satisfied  with  Mr.  Faber,  both  as  to  his 


BECOBDS  OF  1771.  311 

doctrine  and  also  as  to  his  life  and  conduct.  The  opponents 
of  Mr.  Faber  built  for  themselves  a  house  for  divine  services, 
in  which  Mr.  Schwob  should  preach.  After  both  parties  had 
stated  their  complaints,  the  Reverend  Coetus  took  the  matter 
under  careful  deliberation,  and  sought  to  do  the  best.  Fin- 
ally, the  resolution  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  was  as  follows: 
Since  Mr.  Faber  could  no  longer  work  mth  benefit  to  the 
congregation  in  Baltimore,  he  should  leave  Baltimore  as  soon 
as  convenient  for  him.  With  this  resolution  both  Mr.  Faber 
and  the  whole  congregation  were  well  satisfied.  Because  Mr. 
Faber  already  knew  of  another  congregation  which  he  could 
serve,  he  voluntarily  proposed  not  to  remain  longer  than  a 
month  in  Baltimore,  and  to  leave  as  soon  as  it  could  most 
suitably  be  done.  The  congregation  in  Baltimore  was  also 
informed  that  if  both  parties  would  again  unite,  they  should 
have  the  right  and  liberty  to  call  a  minister  from  our  Coetus, 
whomsoever  they  wanted.  They  were  also  informed  that  the 
new  church  built  by  the  one  party  should  in  future  no  more 
be  used  for  divine  services.  If  they  call  a  minister  from  our 
Coetus,  they  must  see  to  it  that  the  minister  is  called  who  re- 
ceives the  majority  of  votes  from  both  parties.  The  same 
being  true  of  the  congregation  at  Pipe  Creek  (which  is  also 
served  by  Mr.  Faber) ,  it  was  resolved  that  because  Mr.  Faber 
serves  this  congregation  together  with  Mr.  Schwob,  that  none 
of  the  two  shall  henceforth  serve  either  Baltimore  or  Pipe 
Creek. 

Article  VI. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  received  a  request  from  five  congre- 
gations in  Virginia,  na^mely,  Louis- Steffenstown,  Stauffers- 
town,  Muellerstown,*  Winchester,  and  the  congregation  at 
Roeder's.  The  petition  and  request  consisted  mainly  in  this, 
that  the  Reverend  Coetus  send  them  a  minister  if  possible. 
But  if  this  should  not  be  possible  now,  to  take  measures  that 
the  congregations  be  visited  by  ministers  several  times  during 
the  year.     They  represented  very  touchingly  that  the  need  of 

*  The  following  identifications  may  be  proposed :  Steff enstown  stands 
for  Stephensburg,  Frederick  Co.;  Staufferstown  for  Strasburg,  Shenan- 
doah Co.;  Mueilerstown  is  Woodstock;  and  for  the  congregation  at 
Eoeder's,  see  Fathers  of  the  Reformed  Church,  Vol.  II,  p.  154. 


312  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

their  churches  was  very  great,  which  was  also  confirmed  by 
Mr.  Heuop  and  Mr.  Weymer,  these  two  gentlemen  having 
\'isited  these  congregations  and  having  personally  seen  their 
sad  condition.  Since,  however,  we  have  not  the  means  to  help 
them  as  they  would  like,  we  gave  them  the  good  assurance 
that  thej^  shall  be  served  by  us,  as  much  as  possible,  until  we 
may  be  better  able  to  provide  them  with  a  minister  of  their 
own.     With  this  they  seemed  to  be  much  pleased. 

SECOND  SESSION.      9   A.   M. 

Article  VIL 
We  must  also  report  something  to  the  Reverend  Fathers 
concerning  the  two  congregations.  Upper  Milford  and  Saltz- 
burg,  which  were  thus  far  served  by  Mr.  Leydich.  Mr.  Ley- 
dich,  who  could  not  be  present  at  Coetus  on  account  of  ill 
health,  sent  a  letter  to  the  Reverend  Coetus,  stating  that,  since 
these  congregations  were  at  a  great  distance  from  him,  and  it 
was  very  burdensome  to  him,  on  account  of  his  age,  to  serve 
them,  he  would  like  to  see  these  congregations  provided  with  a 
good  minister.  He  also  proposed  a  man  by  the  name  of  Steiner, 
who  had  already  occasionally  served  these  congregations  for 
I\Ir.  Leydich,  and  with  whom  the  congregations  had  been  well 
pleased.  (Concerning  Mr.  Steiner,  mention  is  made  below.) 
But  since  Mr.  Wittner  has  been  without  employment  for  some 
time,  and  as  he  complained  a  great  deal  of  his  temporal  circum- 
stances, it  was  deemed  advisable  to  propose  Mr.  Wittner  to 
these  congregations,  so  that  the  good  man,  who  is  worthy  of 
pity,  might  be  helped  in  this  way.  The  resolution  of  the  Rev- 
erend Coetus  was  to  the  effect  that  Mr.  Wittner  should  first  go 
to  Mr.  Blumer,  and  then  Mr.  Blumer  and  Mr.  AVittner  together 
should  go  to  the  congregations  mentioned  above,  in  order  to 
preach  a  trial  sermon  there.  If  Mr.  Wittner  should  please 
them,  then  they  should  receive  him  as  their  minister;  but  if, 
in  this  instance,  he  be  again  rejected,  we  must  leave  him  to 
the  wise  providence  of  God. 

Article  VIII. 
Two  congregations,  Plainfield  and  Greenwich,  and  also  the 
larger  part  of  the  congregation  in  Easton,  which  were  served 
by  Mr.  Pithan,  but  are  now  entirely  separated  from  him  on 


BECOEDS  OF  1771.  313 

account  of  his  scandalous  and  offensive  life  and  conduct,  ask 
the  Reverend  Coetus  for  help,  which  was  promised  to  them. 
They  set  forth  the  distress  and  the  injury  to  their  congrega- 
tions which  had  been  caused  by  Mr.  Pithan,  and  that,  if  they 
could  not  soon  receive  help,  in  one  way  or  other,  they  feared 
that  the  congregations  would  become  still  more  scattered,  as 
there  were  still  a  few  adherents  of  Mr.  Pithan. 

N.  B.  The  Reverend  Fathers  will  remember,  from  the 
Minutes  of  last  year,  that  grave  and  severe  complaints  had 
come  in  against  Mr.  Pithan.  Wherefore,  in  accordance  with 
the  teaching  of  Christ,  he  was  reprimanded  in  a  brotherly 
way,  and  admonished  by  us  not  to  act  in  such  way  in  the 
future,  and  that  if  any  more  such  complaints  should  here- 
after truthfully  be  preferred  against  him,  the  Reverend 
Coetus  would  be  compelled  to  prevent  him  from  preaching 
any  longer  in  the  congregations  which  are  under  the  Coetus. 
Inasmuch  as  Mr.  Pithan  continued  in  his  offensive  life,  which 
consisted  chiefly  in  drinking,  the  resolution  of  the  Reverend 
Coetus  had  to  be  carried  out  in  his  case,  namely,  that  he  must 
give  up  his  office  as  minister  until  he  not  only  promises,  but 
also  shows,  real  improvement. 

Many  members  of  the  congregation  in  Easton  being  well 
satisfied  with  his  ministry,  and  not  caring  what  kind  of  a  life 
Mr.  Pithan  led,  separated  from  the  other  party,  accepted  him 
as  their  minister,  and  thus  supported  him  in  his  scandalous 
life.  In  addition  to  serving  the  party  in  Easton,  he  serves 
another  congregation,  Dryland.  But  the  two  congregations 
mentioned  above,  and  also  the  larger  part  of  the  congregation 
in  Easton,  will  not  have  anything  at  all  to  do  with  Mr.  Pithan. 
The  congregation  at  Dryland,  which  belongs  to  the  three  con- 
gregations, was  informed  by  letter  that  if  in  future  they  had 
any  dealing's  with  Mr.  Pithan,  the  Reverend  Coetus  would  no 
longer  regard  them  as  a  congregation  of  the  Coetus. 

Article  IX. 
Concerning  the  congregation  in  Reading,  it  is  known  to  the 
Reverend  Fathers,  from  last  year's  Minutes,  that  because  Mr. 
Berger,  on  account  of  his  bad  conduct,  could  no  longer  serve 
the  congregation,  it  gave  a  call  to  Mr.  Bucher.  But  since  Do. 
Bucher,  from  love  to  his  congregations,  could  not  very  well 


314  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

accept  the  call,  he  declined  it.  Therefore  the  congregation 
had  to  be  wdthout  a  minister  until  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Boos, 
who  at  present  serves  it.  In  order  to  give  the  Reverend 
Fathers  more  light  on  this  affair,  it  will  be  necessary  to  report 
the  case  at  length. 

For  several  years  Mr.  Boos  had  been  expected,  because  we 
had  been  informed  by  him  that  he  would  come.  Therefore, 
when  he  came  there  was  joy  not  only  among  the  brethren  of 
the  ministry,  but  also  among  many  vacant  congregations. 
But  as  much  joy  as  Mr.  Boos  caused  to  all  of  us  by  his  safe 
arrival,  so  much  disappointment  he  caused  us,  since  he 
brought  with  him  no  testimonials  from  the  Reverend  Fathers, 
and  from  this  we  could  see  that  he.  had  not  been  sent.  For 
this  reason  we  did  not  want  to  have  anything  to  do  ^^dth  Mr. 
Boos.  But  because  many  shepherdless  congregations  had 
heard  of  his  arrival,  and  since,  by  his  sociable  disposition,  he 
pleased  these  people  very  much,  each  congregation  that  had 
no  minister  desired  him  as  its  minister.  Many  congregations 
asked  Mr.  Boos  to  preach  for  them  once,  which  he  did.  Those 
congregations  in  which  he  preached  showed  a  peculiar  liking 
for  his  preaching.  Among  others,  he  was  asked  by  the  con- 
gregation in  Reading  to  preach  a  trial-sermon  there.  It  hap- 
pened that  four  ministers  came  to  Reading  after  Boos  had 
been  there.  The  congregation  in  Reading  requested  these 
four  brethren,  who  were  Dos.  Gros,  Hendel,  Bucher  and 
Gobrecht,  to  appoint  Mr.  Bocs  as  its  minister.  But  the  breth- 
ren would  not  consent  to  this.  They  informed  the  congrega- 
tion in  Reading  that  this  could  not  be  done,  because  Mr.  Boos 
had  not  been  sent  by  the  Reverend  Fathers,  and  therefore 
they  could  not  conscientiously  recommend  him  to  any  congre- 
gation. But  the  congregation  in  Reading  presented  its  great 
need,  how  necessary  it  was  to  allow  it  to  have  Mr.  Boos  as  its 
minister.  Notwithstanding  the  members  of  the  congregation 
had  been  informed  of  all  the  circumstances  relating  to  Mr. 
Boos,  they  still  maintained  their  first  resolution,  that  he  be 
given  them  as  their  minister.  Finally  the  brethren  gave 
them  this  decision :  They  should  have  the  liberty  to  accept 
Mr.  Boos  on  trial,  but  if  he  should  prove  to  be  unsatisfactory 
to  the  congregation  and  to  the  brethren,  the  brethren  would  be 
entirely  blameless.     Mr.  Boos,  during  the  time  he  has  been  in 


BECOEDS  OF  1771.  315 

Reading,  has  so  conducted  himself  that  no  complaints  what- 
ever were  brought  against  him  before  the  last  Coetus,  but,  on 
the  contrary,  by  his  good  life,  as  well  as  by  his  teaching,  he 
has  made  himself  so  well  liked  in  his  congregation  that  the 
members  have  given  him  a  call  and  asked  the  Reverend  Coetus 
to  allow  Mr.  Boos  to  continue  as  their  minister,  which  request 
was  granted  by  the  Reverend  Coetus. 

Article  X. 

A  certain  man,  named  John  Christian  Stahlschmidt,*  who 
came  to  this  country  some  years  ago,  requested  the  Reverend 
Coetus  to  help  him  in  his  purpose.  He  requests  to  be  pre- 
pared for  the  ministry  by  able  teachers.  As  Mr.  Stahlschmidt 
seems  to  have  many  talents  for  study,  Brother  Weyberg,  who 
among  us  knows  him  best,  has  specially  recommended  him. 
It  was,  therefore,  resolved  with  regard  to  Mr.  Stahlschmidt, 
that  Brother  Weyberg,  who  among  us  is  best  able  to  do  it,  shall 
tals:e  care  of  him,  and  after  he  has  been  instructed  in  the  neces- 
sary sciences,  under  the  guidance  of  ]\Ir.  Weyberg,  we  will 
further  care  for  him. 

Article  XL 

The  Reverend  Fathers  wish  to  know  of  the  Reverend  Coetus 
the  reason  why  Mr.  Stoy  is  no  longer  enrolled  as  a  minister  of 
the  Coetus.  We  have  the  honor  to  assure  them  that,  much  as 
we  should  like  to  regard  Do.  Stoy  as  a  member  of  the  Rever- 
end Coetus,  yet  it  cannot  be  done,  because  it  is  to  be  feared 
that  if  Mr.  Stoy  should  be  considered  a  member  of  the  Rever- 
end Coetus,  he  might  do  more  harm  than  good  among  us,  for 
he  is  well  known  to  us.  Therefore,  the  Reverend  Coetus  has 
deemed  it  wise,  lest  the  peace  in  our  organization  be  disturbed 
by  Mr.  Stoy,  that  it  were  better  and  more  advisable  not  to 
accept  and  receive  Mr.  Stoy  as  a  member  of  Coetus. 

Article  XII. 
Do.  Gobrecht,  concerning  whom  it  was  reported,  in  the  last 

Minutes,  that  the  congregation  of  Mr.  Wittner  had  given  him 
a  call,  accepted  the  call.  His  congregations,  w^hich  were 
vacant  from  that  time,  this  year  called  Mr.  Wack.     Concern- 

*  Stahlschmidt   arrived  in  Philadelphia  in  August,   1770.     See  '*  Pil- 


316  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

ing  Mr.  Wack,  the  Reverend  Fathers  were  given  a  short  state- 
ment in  last  year's  Minutes,  namely,  that  he  had  been  under 
the  instruction  of  Mr.  Weyberg.  He  is  now  far  enough  ad- 
vanced, through  his  training,  to  be  able  to  serve  a  congrega- 
tion. The  congregations  at  Lower  Tohickon  and  Indianfield, 
which  have  thus  far  been  cared  for  by  his  ministry,  and, 
according  to  their  statement,  have  also  been  edified  by  his 
preaching,  have  shown  such  a  desire  for  him  as  to  give  him  a 
unanimous  call.  Mr.  Wack  was  therefore  first  examined  in 
the  divine  truths  and  the  way  of  salvation,  and,  after  he  had 
given  satisfaction  to  the  Reverend  Coetus,  it  was  resolved  that 
Mr.  Wack,  for  the  time  being,  should  continue  to  serve  these 
congregations  with  preacliing  and  catechizing  as  before,  but 
Ave  will  defer  the  ordination  until  the  Reverend  Fathers  have 
first  been  notified.  Whatever  they  will  advise  in  this  matter 
Avill  be  done  by  us  with  regard  to  Mr.  Wack. 

In  connection  with  this  matter,  we  have  also  the  honor  to 
report  to  the  Reverend  Fathers  that  the  so-called  Trumbauer's 
church  has  brought  in  a  complaint,  stating  that  their  brethren, 
the  congregations  at  Lower  Tohickon  and  Indianfield  will  not 
permit  them  in  future  to  have  a  share  in  their  minister,  but 
would  like  to  keep  the  minister  only  for  themselves.  Con- 
cerning Trumbauer's  church,  this  must  also  be  mentioned, 
that  it  was  formerly  served  by  Mr.  Gobrecht  when  he  was 
still  serving  at  Tohickon  and  Indianfield.  Since  this  congre- 
gation cannot  well  be  served  in  any  other  way  than  by  the 
minister  of  Tohickon  and  Indianfield,  it  was  resolved  by  the 
Reverend  Coetus,  and  the  two  congregations  were  informed, 
that  they  will  not  be  provided  with  a  minister  until  they  unite 
with  their  brethren  and  allow  them  to  share  in  their  minister. 

THIRD   SESSION.      2   P.    M. 

Article  XIII. 

The  congregation  in  Amwell  extended  a  call  to  John  Neve- 
ling,  w^ho  at  times  had  served  this  congregation.  This  John 
Neveling  is  a  cousin  of  Mr.  Weyberg.  He  has  been  instructed 
by  Mr.  Weyberg,  and,  to  some  extent,  by  Mr.  Gros.  Because 
he  diligently  studied  the  necessary  sciences,  he  soon  advanced 
so  far  that  he  was  able  to  preach.     He,  therefore,  appeared 


BECORDS  OF  1771.  317 

before  the  Reverend  Coetus  in  order  to  be  examined,  which 
was  done.  In  regard  to  the  languages,  he  has  not  yet  the 
the  necessary  knowledge,  but  in  theology  he  is  further  ad- 
vanced, so  that  we  could  be  satisfied  with  him.  Because  the 
congregation  in  Amwell  had  a  special  liking  for  him  and  his 
sermons,  and  also  believed  that  they  were  improved  and  edi- 
fied by  his  sermons,  it  was  finally  resolved  that  Mr.  Neveling 
shall  serve  the  congregation  in  Amwell  with  preaching  and 
catechization.  If  he  further  conducts  himself  like  a  minister 
in  his  life,  teaching  and  conversation,  so  that  no  complaints 
can  be  brought  against  him,  we  shall  then  proceed  to  qualify 
him  fully  for  his  important  office,  but  with  this  condition, 
that  it  shall  first  be  reported  to  the  Reverend  Fathers,  and 
when  it  has  been  approved  of  by  them,  then  Mr.  Neveling 
shall  be  ordained  and  received  into  our  Coetus. 

Article  XIV. 
Besides  Messrs.  Wack  and  Neveling,  another  young  man, 
by  the  name  of  Wagner,  was  examined,  who  was  under  the 
instruction  of  Mr.  Hendel,  and  also  for  a  time  under  that  of 
]\Ir.  Gros.  With  regard  to  Mr.  Wagner,  Coetus  passed  no 
other  resolution  at  the  last  meeting  than  that  he  shall  preach 
and  catechize  in  congregations  where  it  is  deemed  necessary, 
and  if  he  shall  be  diligent  in  future  and  lead  a  Christian  and 
godly  life,  he  shall  then  be  given  hope  of  being  more  fully 
qualified  for  his  work  [i.  e.,  of  being  ordained] , 

Article  XV. 
Mr.  Schwab,*  of  v/hom  the  Reverend  Fathers  have  been 
given  a  short  report,  this  year  again  petitioned  the  Reverend 
Coetus  to  be  ordained.  The  two  commissioners  of  last  year, 
Dos.  Gros  and  Gobrecht,  have  carefully  investigated  the  case 
of  Mr.  Schwab,  both  among  his  congregations  and  among 
his  accusers,  and  they  have  found  that  none  of  the  things 
with  which  he  was  charged  could  be  proved.  On  the  contrary, 
both  delegated  gentlemen  have  heard  much  good  about  him, 
and  his  congregations  give  him  the  best  testimonials.  Since, 
therefore,  Mr.  Schwab  has  been  found  innocent  of  these 
charges,  and,  at  the  Coetus  in  Germantown,  after  he  had  pre- 

*  This  is  no  doubt  the  original  form  of  his  name. 


318  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

vioiis^ly  beeu  examined,  had  been  ^ven  hope  of  being  ordained, 
therefore  the  Reverend  Coetus  has  found  it  advisable  to  ex- 
amine this  man  thoroughly,  and  if  he  should  pass  the  exam- 
ination, aJso  to  ordain  him.  To  this  end  Dos.  Henop  and 
Hendel  were  appointed.  We  assure  ourselves  that  the  Rever- 
end Fathers  will  excuse  us  in  this  matter,  especially  since  we 
have  the  honor  to  report  that  in  jMaryland  an  ordained  min- 
ister is  veiy  m'uch  needed,  the  more  so  because,  though  there 
are  some  there,  they  are,  for  the  most  part,  very  depraved 
pereons.  Therefore  it  is  necessary  that  a  few  upright  min- 
isters should  be  there.  And,  because  we  regard  said  Mr. 
Schwab  as  a  man  who  will  earnestly  labor  to  build  up  the 
kingdom  of  God  and  promote  the  salvation  of  men,  therefore 
we  deem  it  necessary  to  ordain  him. 

Article  XVI. 

The  following  congregations,  the  Organ  church,  Jacob's 
church,  Rosenthal  church,  and  Dunkel's  church,  were  for- 
merly served  by  Do.  Weymer.  But  because  Do.  Weymer 
accepted  the  call  from  Conococheague,  of  which  the  Reverend 
Fathers  were  informed,  and  these  four  congregations  were 
vacant  after  his  departure,  they  this  year  extended  a  call  to 
Mr.  Steiner,  who  at  times  had  served  them.  This  i\Ir.  Steiner 
is  a  son  of  a  former  minister  in  Pennsylvania,  who  was  well 
known  to  the  Reverend  Fathers.  Said  Mr.  Steiner  has  thus 
far  served  as  schoolmaster.  Besides  this,  he  has  thoroughly 
acquainted  himself  with  divine  truth  and  made  considerable 
progress  in  theology.  Finally  he  began  to  preach  and 
served,  with  the  consent  of  some  brethren,  occasionally  those 
congregations  that  were  without  ministers.  Among  others, 
he  serv^ed  especially  these  four  congregations  mentioned 
above.  As  these  congregations  showed  a  special  liking  for 
Mr.  Steiner 's  sermons,  and,  according  to  their  statement,  were 
much  profited  by  them,  they  asked  the  Reverend  Coetus  to 
assign  Mr.  Steiner  to  them  as  their  minister.  They  also  pre- 
sented the  great  need  which  would  arise  if  this  could  not  be 
done.  After  the  Reverend  Coetus  had  given  tlie  case  of  these 
congregations  its  mature  deliberation,  it  was  finally  deemed 
best  that,  because  it  seemed  to  be  the  hope  of  these  congrega- 


EE COEDS  OF  1771.  319 

tions  that  they  would  be  improved  by  Mr.  Steiner's  preach- 
ing, Mr.  Steiner  should  first  be  examined,  and,  if  found  able, 
be  allowed  to  serve  the  congregations  with  preaching  and 
catechization ;  and  if  he  should  further  diligently  seek  to  lead 
a  Christian  and  godly  life,  we  will  then  lend  him  a  helping 
hand  in  his  future  advancement,  but  with  the  condition  that 
nothing  shall  be  done  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Steiner  except  what 
the  Reverend  Fathers  shall  approve  of.  Hence,  Mr.  Steiner 
has  been  accepted  for  the  present,  in  accordance  ^vith  their 
call,  by  the  four  congregations  mentioned  above. 

In  this  connection  we  must  also  inform  the  Reverend 
Fathers  that  another  man,  also  a  schoolmaster,  by  the  name 
of  Weber,  appeared  before  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  requested 
to  be  examined  in  divine  truth,  and,  if  found  capable  and 
sound  in  doctrine,  to  be  allowed  to  supply  with  preaching  and 
catechization  those  congregations  that  are  without  ministers 
and  where  such  supply  is  necessary.  After  Mr.  Weber  had 
been  examined  by  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  had  given  satis- 
faction, it  was  resolved  vnth  regard  to  him,  as  also  ^vith  re- 
gard to  Mr.  Steiner,  to  allow  him  to  preach  and  catechize  in 
congregations  where  it  is  necessary,  but  at  present  to  hold  out 
to  him  no  hope  of  ordination.  He  shall  also  be  under  the 
supervision  of  the  nearest  ministers,  who  shall  carefully  watch 
his  doctrine,  life  and  conduct.  Whatever  else  shall  be  done 
with  regard  to  Mr.  Weber,  we  expect  to  learn  from  the  Rever- 
end Fathers. 

Article  XVII. 

Finally,  each  of  the  brethren  reported  the  status  of  their 
congregations,  as  follows: 


320 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Pastor. 


Weyberg  . 
Pomp    .    • 

Hendel     . 

Gros .    .    . 
Blumer .   . 

Gobrecht . 

Faehring  . 

Waldschmidt 

Daelliker  .   . 
Weymer  .    . 

Bucher .   .    . 


Henop  .   .   .  ■ 


Boehm .    . 
Boos  .   .   . 


Place. 


Mem- 
bers. 


Faber   .   .    . 


Philadelphia   .    .    . 
r  jFalkner  Swamp  . 
\  jOver  the  Schuylkill. 
'  Tulpehocken 

Swatara    .    . 

Muehlbach  , 

Heidelberg  . 

Kaemerliug's 

Lower  Saucon. 

Springfield 

Allentown 

Jordan .    . 

Egypt  .    . 

Schlosser's 

Muddy  Creek 

Reyer's  Church 

Cocalico    .    . 

Seltenreich  . 

Germantown 

Witpen .   .    . 

Worcester    . 

Allegheny    . 

Epler    .  '.    . 

Little  Cocalico 

Alexandria 

Rockaway 

Valley  and  Foxhill. 

Troxel's  .    . 

Hagerstown . 
'i  Lebanon  .    . 

Quitopehilla 

Warwick  .    . 

Manheim .   . 

Rapho  .    .    . 

Donegal    .    . 

Frederick     . 

Over  the  Monocacy, 
in  the  Glade 
Church    .... 

Kittatinny  Mts  .    . 

Lancaster.    ... 

Reading 

New  Goshenhoppen. 

Old  Goshenhoppen. 

Great  Swamp  .    .    . 


;} 


200 
90 
40 
37 
32 
36 
23 
16 
80 
47 
38 
18 
40 
20 


95 

70 
35 
46 


80 

39 
49 
67 
38  \ 
45/ 
35 
28 
27 
17 
23 
24 
120 


50 
54 
150 
80 
90 
40 
40 


Bapt. 


113 

40 

20 

17 

15 

20 

12 

4 

35 

20 

7 

4 

9 

13 

43 

45 
26 
30 

19 

31 
37 
25 

70 

19 
13 
10 
11 

8 
9 


17 
25 
66 
38 
31 
20 
12 


Conf. 


45 
26  \ 
19/ 

71 

3 
10  ■ 

6 
-J 
16  \ 
10 


Salary. 


150  pds. 


1 


70 


75 


75 


48 


-1 

16j 


llj 


School 
Children. 


;•*  f  18 
15 
25 
16 
14 


65 

90 

60 

75 

60 

85 

1 

16) 

30 

-1 

sj  ! 

261  1     tlOO 

'  •      i 

I  90    " 

-I  i 

15J  I     t32 

§54       80    "     I       60 

40       75    "     i      86 


65 


In  all  these  congregations  [of  Do.  Faber]  tliere  are  schools 
during  the  winter,  and  in  each  forty  or  fifty  pupils  may  be 
found  for  several  months. 


*  All  these  congregations  have  school  only  in  the  winter. 

t2  schools.  ?  1  school.  t  8  married  and  46  single.      [Sec] 


SECOBDS  OF  1771.  321 

Wittaer  could  not  send  in  a  report,  as  he  serves  no  congre- 
gation. 

Nothing  was  reported  of  the  congregations  of  Dos.  Du  Bois 
and  Leydieh,  as  they  are  absent. 

Article  XVIII. 
After  all  this  was  transacted,  it  was  yet  resolved  that  the 
next  Coetus  shall  be  held  in  Lancaster,  the  second  Wednesday 
after  Pentecost.  The  Coetus  was  then  adjourned,  and  each 
of  the  ministers  and  elders  present  signed  the  Minutes.  We 
parted  in  love  from  each  other,  and  each  one  went  back  to  his 
congregations.  May  the  Lord  henceforth  be  with  us,  through 
his  grace  and  spirit,  and  make  us,  the  longer  we  live,  to  be 
more  efficient  for  His  praise  and  glory !  May  He  do  this  for 
the  sake  of  His  eternal  love !     Amen. 

The  names  of  the  ministers  and  elders  who  signed  the  Min- 
utes are  as  follows : 

Frederick  Henop,  p.  t.  President,        Conrad  Scherer, 
Caspar  Weyberg,  Lewis  Karcher, 

Christian  Frederick  Faehring,        John  Moore, 
John  Daniel  Gros,  William  Heuser, 

William  Hendel,  Jacob  Weber, 

Nicholas  Pomp,  Nicholas  Hauer, 

John  George  Wittner,  Nicholas  Haller, 

Jacob  Weymer,  John  Neukomer, 

Conrad  Bucher,  John  Deier, 

Christian  Gobrecht,  George  Emerich, 

Abraham  Blumer,  Lewis  Schuy, 

John  Waldschmidt,  Nicholas  Botz, 

Charles  Lewis  Boehm,  Adam  Heberly. 

John  Theobald  Faber,  p.  t.  Secretary, 
21 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  THE  CLASSIS  * 
OCTOBER  10,  1771. 

Hague  92,  B.  103;  Hakbaugh  MSS.,  No.  30.) 

Most  Reverend,  Most  Learned,  and  Much  Beloved  Fathers  in  Jesus  Christ: 
The  letter  you  sent  with  the  two  new  ministers,  Do.  Blumer  and  Do. 
Boehm,  was  received  by  us,  with  great  pleasure,  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary of  the  present  year,  1771.  As  you  did  not  ask  for  a  prompt  an- 
swer, we  have  thought  best  to  wait  until  the  next  Coetus  before  answer- 
ing it. 

We  rejoice  heartily  in  the  continuance  of  your  fatherly  love  for  our 
poor  cougregatious  in  this  country,  in  that  you  have  sent  over  to  us  two 
new  ministers  for  the  service  of  our  Church,  besides  a  contribution  of 
400  guilders,  together  with  an  answer  to  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus,  which 
is  no  less  agreeable  to  us. 

On  their  arrival,  the  two  new  ministers  were  assigned  to  their  fields  of 
labor.  Do.  Blumer  was  sent  to  Allentown,  where  there  are  four  congre- 
gations which  have  heretofore  been  served  by  Do.  Gros.  Do.  Boehm  has 
been  assigned  to  the  congregation  in  Lancaster.  More  information  con- 
cerning these  two  gentlemen  will  be  found  in  the  enclosed  Minutes.  The 
sum  of  400  guilders,  being  your  gift,  making  £60  in  our  money,  has  been 
used  in  the  following  manner: 

1.  To  Do.  Wittner,  incapacitated  for  service  through  lack  of  phys- 

ical and  mental  strength,  we  have  granted  out  of  pity £10 

2.  To  the  two  widows  of  Dos.  Muentz  and  Dorsius 6 

3.  To  five  poor  school  teachers 5 

4.  To  each  of  the  ministers  who  was  present  at  the  Coetus,  and  a 

member  of  the  same,  £2  10s.,  which  makes  in  all 35 

*  The  Coetal  Letter  sent  to  the  Synods  (Hague  92,  B.  103)  is  prac- 
tically identical  ^dth  this  Classical  Letter,  only  the  opening  paragraphs 
vary.  The  opening  paragraphs  of  the  letter  to  the  Synods  are  here\\ith 
given : 

We  received  the  answer  to  our  proceedings  of  the  Coetus  in  German- 
town,  which  your  Reverences  dated  September  20th,  1770,  only  in  the 
month  of  September  of  the  current  year,  and  learned  from  it,  with  great 
pleasure,  that  the  fatherly  love  of  your  Reverences  towards  our  poor 
church  in  this  country  yet  continues. 

For  your  Reverences  have  not  only  sent  two  ministers  for  the  service 
of  our  church,  but  also  a  letter  of  exchange  for  400  guilders,  besides  an 
answer  to  our  proceedings,  which  is  no  less  pleasing  to  us.  The  two 
ministers,  our  beloved  fellow-laborers,  arrived  here  already  in  the  month 
of  Fcl^ruary  of  the  current  year,  and  were  at  once  taken,  in  accordance 
with  the  direction  of  onr  Coetus,  to  their  fields  of  labor. 

(322) 


BECOBDS  OF  1771.  323 


5.  TxaTcBng  expenses  of  Dos.  Grcs  su  5  G  ^l^Ttdb*,  tdiom  last  jear  wre 

sent  to  Baltmiore 4 

Total W¥3 

The  twentj-fife  eopks  of  iiie  Bntdbi  OuEreh-Order  were  dnfy  received 
from  Do.  Bfanner  and  Do.  Bodnn.  We  bare  aheadjr  disposed  of  flaam 
aeeordiiiig  to  yaar  widieaL 

We  aie  espeeialfy  w^  satisfied  urith  the  eonteniB  of  jonr  letter      '^^ 
ate  made  aware  bj  it  that  not  onfy  jonr  fatlieify  lore  supplies     :  ~ .'.'-. 
laaaxj  gifts,  Imt  also  that  ^oa  spend  mneh  labor  and  thon^it  in  :  it   Ot- 
half.    We  recognize  that  we  are  greatfy  indebted  to  jon,  and  wr  :i:rz> 
yon  most  eordiaOj  for  eaeh  and  erezj  ehantable  donation,  as    — 
for  jonr  efforts  on  onr  aeeonnt.    But  most  of  all  are  we  tha-    : 
God,  the  Most  Hig^  for  haring  blesaed  oor  labors  to  wlueh  he  L: 
OS,  for  baring  sustained  ns  so  wonderfnlfy,  and  espeeiallj  for  n: 
lore   of  yonr  Bererenees   as  an   ecfeHent  means  to  comfort      1 
gladden  tobl 

May  the  God  of  great  blessings,  and  Jesm  Christ  the  failM^.  r 

Bhe^kerd  of  the  sheep,  wlio  baa  so  abundantly  blessed  his  Omre-  :_  :_: 
United  Netherlands  and  made  her  the  tender  mother  of  so  many  l  t  > 
ehnrehefli,  eontinne  to  bless  her  more  and  more!  May  He  espeeisllr 
Ton,  the  guardians  of  sndi  a  hi^ily-faroied  and  flourishing  Zjon.  i : :  :_t 
g^oiifieation  of  His  great  name,  for  the  edification  of  souls,  and  for  the 
comfort  of  many  other  poor  dmiehes! 

YinaXtj,  we  remain,  Hfost  Bererend  and  Most  Learned  Gentlemen,  and 
Much  Belored  Fiatbers,  in  ^^r  b:r::i:l'—  '-^-  witb  great  respect,  your 
obedient  servants, 

Jri:-::  z  1  ~    'OP,  Ftegidewt  p.  t. 

.7.   7-    J^i  9  p.  t. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1772. 

(N.  B.,  No.  1130;  Hague  92,  B.  106;  Harbaugh 
MSS.,  No.  31.) 

MINUTES  OP  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,  HELD  IN  THE  CITY 
OF   L.mCASTER   THE   17tH   OF   JUNE   1772. 

Most  Reverendy  Most  Learned,  and  Most  Esteemed  Fathers 

in  Christ: 

In  order  to  again  submit  to  the  Reverend  Fathers,  with  due 
esteem,  a  report  concerning  the  present  condition  and  growth 
of  our  Reformed  Church,  planted  here  through  the  grace  of 
God,  we  hereby  send  to  you  the  Minutes  of  Coetus,  held  this 
year,  on  June  17th,  1772,  in  the  city  of  Lancaster. 

May  God,  in  his  kindness,  grant  that  the  transactions  of 
this  Coetus  be  blessed,  and  that  they  may  tend  to  promote 
the  further  growth  of  His  Church  in  this  country! 

We  further  wish  that  the  Reverend  Fathers  may  derive 
real  pleasure  from  the  same.  We  commend  ourselves,  to- 
gether Avith  all  the  Pennsylvania  Reformed  churches,  next  to 
God,  to  the  further  protection  and  affection  of  the  Reverend 
Fathers. 

The  following  were  present : 

J.  Th.  Faber,  p.  t.  President,   W.  Hendel, 

J.  Waldschmidt,  F.  Henop, 

J.  D.  Gros,  N.  Pomp, 

F.  Dalliker,  J.  Weimar, 

Abr.  Blumer,  J.  G.  Wittner, 

Chr.  Gobrecht,  C.  Bucher, 

J.  H.  Ilelfenstein,*  J.  G.  Gebhard, 

J.  H.  Helferich,  Caspar  Weyberg, 

J.  Du  Bois,  C.  L.  Boehme,  p.  t.  Secretary. 

Do.  Leydich  was  not  present,  but  in  a  letter  excused  him- 
self on  account  of  being  unwell. 

Do.  Faber,  as  President,  opened  the  Coetus  with  an  edify- 
ing sermon  on  1  Cor.  iv.  1-2.  After  the  service  all  the  min- 
isters, together  with  their  accompanying  elders,  went  into  the 

*  The  HaTbaugh  copy  adds:  Ph.  W.  Otterbein  and  B.  Swob. 

(324) 


EECOBDS  OF  177S.  325 

Reformed  school-house,  because  it  was  most  convenient  for 
us.  Here  the  Coetus  opened,  after  divine  strength  and  assist- 
ance had  been  invoked,  and  the  following  business  was  trans- 
acted : 

FIRST   SESSION.      2   P.   M. 

Article  I. 

First  of  all,  the  usual  question  concerning  the  external  and 
internal  condition  of  the  congregations  was  put  to  all  minis- 
ters by  the  President,  Mr.  Faber,  which  was  answered  by  each 
one.  But  as  in  this  world  we  never  can  boast  of  anything 
perfect,  every  one  of  the  brethren  had  reasons  to  complain 
because  of  the  little  progress  and  the  few  fruits  of  his  work. 
But,  thank  God,  it  also  appeared  that  here  and  there  persons 
are  won  who  are  earnestly  seeking  the  salvation  of  their  souls 
and  the  glorification  of  God's  name.  May  the  Lord  further 
grant  grace  and  blessing,  and  may  He  equip  and  qualify,  mth 
a  true  knowledge  of  self  and  the  power  of  His  Holy  Spirit, 
all  those  v^^ho  have  been,  and  may  yet  be,  sent  into  His  vine- 
yard. 

Then  each  elder  handed  in  the  testimonial  of  his  congregar 
tion  vnih  regard  to  the  minister,  his  doctrine,  life  and  walk. 
After  these  testimonials  had  been  read,  it  appeared  that  all 
congregations  were  satisfied  with  their  ministers,  w^hich  the 
elders  also  orally  confirmed.  "When  questioned  concerning 
catechization,  no  complaints  were  heard  from  any  congre- 
gation. 

Article  II. 

Among  other  testimonials,  the  brethren  who  arrived  here 
last  winter,  namely,  Dos.  Helferich,  Helfenstein  and  Gebhard, 
brought  in  calls,  each  one  from  the  congregations  to  which  he 
had  been  assigned  until  the  present  Coetus.  Of  this  we  will 
now  further  report. 

Do.  Helferich  was  temporarily  assigned  to  the  congregation 
in  Maxatawny,  which  up  to  that  time  had  been  vacant,  and 
was  therefore  greatly  reduced  in  numbers.  This  was  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  promise  given  them  by  the  Reverend  Coetus 
a  year  ago  in  Reading,  of  which  the  Reverend  Fathers  will 
find  more  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Coetus  held  in  Reading  last 
year.     (Art.  IV,  Session  1.)     Since  Do.  Helferich  has  thus 


326  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

lar  served  this  congregation,  and  the  latter  has  been  induced, 
on  account  of  his  praiseworthy  conduct,  to  present  a  call  to 
him  before  this  Coetus,  therefore  he  was  appointed  as  its 
regular  minister. 

Do.  Helfensteiu,  whom  the  congregation  at  Germantown 
(after  Do.  Faehring  had  accepted  a  call  from  New  York) 
requested  to  supply  it  with  all  the  services  of  the  sanctuary, 
also  brought  a  very  excellent  testimonial  of  his  life  and  doc- 
trine, and  therefore  w^as  assigned  by  our  Coetus  to  this  con- 
gregation as  its  regular  minister.  The  congregation  promises 
75  pounds  Pennsylvania  money. 

Do.  Gebhard,  who,  at  his  arrival,  was  engaged  by  the  con- 
gregations at  Worcester,  or  Skippack,  and  Witpen  (which 
had  been  served  thus  far  by  Do.  Faehring) ,  was  also  assigned 
to  these  congregations,  wiiich  had  given  him  a  call  and  very 
excellent  testimonials.  The  congregation  promises  60  pounds 
Pennsylvania  money  [as  his  salary]. 

Article  III. 

The  congregation  at  Frankford,  which  in  the  past  was 
served  by  Do.  Faehring,  asks  that  Do.  Helfenstein,  of  Ger- 
mantown, serve  them  every  two  weeks  in  the  afternoon,  but  in 
such  a  manner  that  no  disadvantage  shall  arise  to  the  congre- 
gation in  Germantown  with  regard  to  catechization. 

Resolved:  The  congregation  of  Frankford  shall  thus  be 
served  by  the  minister  of  Germantown  (every  other  week,  in 
the  afternoon),  but  with  the  condition  that  Do.  Helfenstein 
shall  hold  catechization  in  Germantown  in  the  forenoon. 
Moreover,  two  Sundays  in  the  year  shall  be  granted  to  the 
congregation  at  Frankford  for  holding  communion. 

Article  IV. 
The  congregations  at  Lowhill   and  Heidelberg  ask  to  be 
supplied  by  any  of  the  neighboring  ministers,  and  refer  to 
Do.  Helferich  as  their  nearest  minister. 

Resolved :  Both  congregations  shall  be  supplied  by  Do. 
Helferich. 

Article  V. 
The  Trumbauer  congregation   (which  a  year  ago  already, 
at  the  last  Coetus,  brought  in  a  complaint,  that  the  congre- 


BE  COEDS  OF  1772.  327 

gations  at  Tohiekon  and  Indianfield,  since  the  time  Mr.  AVack 
serves  them,  refuse  to  let  him  preach  there,  although  Do. 
Gobreeht,  the  former  pastor,  supplied  the  congregation) 
again  complain  at  this  Coetus,  and  offered,  if  said  minister, 
Do.  Wack,  should  be  allowed  to  preach  for  them  every  third 
Sunday,  as  they  desired,  to  contribute  one- third  of  his  salary. 

Resolved :  That  as  had  been  done  before  by  Do.  Gobreeht, 
so  now  the  congregations  at  Tohiekon  and  Indianfield  shall 
be  served  by  Do.  '\\^aek,  together  with  the  Trumbauer  con- 
gregation. 

Article  VI. 

Some  time  ago  the  congregation  at  Trappe,  which  before 
was  united  with  Skippaek  and  "VTitpen,  separated  itself  from 
these  congregations  and  was  served  by  Do.  Leydich.  But, 
since  Skippaek  and  AMtpen  have  extended  a  call  to  Do. 
Gebhard,  who  arrived  this  winter,  promising  him  sixty 
pounds,  Pennsylvania  money,  and  are  not  able  to  raise  this 
amount  for  any  length  of  time  because  they  are  as  yet  weak, 
therefore  they  request  Coetus  to  assist  them  in  bringing  about 
a  reunion  between  the  congregation  at  Trappe  and  the  con- 
gregations at  Worcester  and  Witpen. 

Resolved:  The  congregation  at  Trappe  shall  again  unite 
-\\dth  Worcester  and  AYitpen,  and  recognize  and  accept  Do. 
Gebhard  as  its  minister,  and  also  contribute  according  to  its 
ability  to  his  temporal  support  and  the  salary  promised.  To 
this  end  Brother  Leydich  shall  give  up  this  congregation. 

SECOND   SESSION.       JUNE    18tH,    8    A.    M. 

Article  VIL 

Brother  Du  Bois  again  presented  to  the  Coetus  of  Penn- 
sylvania the  praiseworthy  founding  of  Queen  College  at  New 
Brunswick,  and  requested  that  the  Reverend  Coetus  might 
lend  a  helping  hand  to  this  work,  and  that  each  of  the  breth- 
ren should  recommend  the  college  to  his  congregation. 

Resolved :  That,  whereas  there  is  nothing  improper  in  this 
request,  and  the  founding  of  this  institution  is  right  and  for 
the  welfare  of  the  public,  therefore  the  request  of  Brother 
Du  Bois  be  immediately  granted.  At  the  same  time  it  was 
promised  that  the  Coetus  of  Penns34vania  would  always  deem 


328  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

it  a  pleasure  to  contribute  something  to  such  a  worthy  cause, 
and  each  one  expressed  his  willingness  to  recommend  it  to  the 
congregations  entrusted  to  him. 

Article  VIII. 

The  brethren,  Wack,  Weber,  Neveling,  Wagner  and  Steiner, 
who  were  examined  last  year  by  the  Coetus  held  in  Reading, 
appeared  and,  partly  themselves,  partly  their  congregations 
which  they  served  thus  far,  petitioned  Coetus  for  ordination. 
At  first  they  were  put  off  with  hopes  for  next  year,  since  by 
that  time  we  expect  an  answer  from  the  Reverend  Fathers  in 
regard  to  them.  However,  on  account  of  the  earnest  petition 
of  their  congregations  and  the  representation  of  their  great 
need,  that,  although  they  had  a  minister  in  their  midst,  yet  at 
baptisms  and  other  necessary  ministerial  acts  they  were 
obliged  to  look  elsewhere  for  an  ordained  minister,  and  thus 
were  only  supplied  with  preaching,  and  concerning  the  ad- 
ministration of  the  Sacraments  they  must  still  be  regarded  as 
vacant,  therefore  the  Reverend  Coetus  finally  resolved  to  pro- 
ceed as  follows : 

Resolved:  The  brethren  named  above  (according  to  the 
resolution  passed  in  1771  at  the  Coetus  held  in  Reading)  shall 
once  more  be  examined,  peremptorily.*  The  place  where  this 
shall  be  done  shall  be  at  the  home  of  the  President,  Do.  Faber. 
Dos.  Weyberg,  Faber,  Gros  and  Pomp  were  chosen  as  exam- 
iners. If  the  result  shall  be  satisfactory  to  the  examiners, 
the  ordination  shall  take  place. 

Article  IX. 
Concerning  the  congregation  in  Baltimore,  we  are  sorry 
that  we  cannot  yet  report  to  the  Reverend  Fathers  that  a 
union  was  effected.  The  congregation  is  in  the  same  condi- 
tion as  last  year  and  before;  although  the  Reverend  Coetus 
has  taken  all  pains  and  employed  all  possible  means  to  effect 
a  reunion,  yet  there  has  been  no  result  thus  far.  The  Rev- 
erend Fathers  will  remember  from  the  Minutes  of  last  year, 
that  the  resolution  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  concerning  Balti- 

*  According  to  the  custom  then  prevailing  in  HoUand,  candidates  for 
the  ministry  had  to  pass  two  examinations,  the  first  called  examen 
praeparatorium,  the  second  examen  peremjitorium. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1772.  329 

more  was  to  the  effect  that  both  Do.  Faber  and  Do.  Schwob 
should  no  longer  serve  Baltimore,  and  also  that  the  meeting- 
house built  by  Schwob 's  party  should  be  put  to  another  use, 
and  that  the  parties  should  harmoniously  attend  divine  ser- 
vice in  the  regular  church.  They  were  also  promised  by  the 
Eeverend  Coetus  (if  they  should  follow  this  advice)  that  the 
first  minister  who  might  be  sent  by  the  Reverend  Fathers 
would  be  sent  to  them.  With  this  both  parties  were  satisfied, 
and  united  in  the  presence  of  the  Coetus.  Do.  Faber  imme- 
diately left  Baltimore,  and  now  serves  Danethawn  [Taney- 
town].  But,  according  to  the  statement  and  the  written  ac- 
cusation of  the  other  party,  Mr.  Schwob  continued  to  preach 
to  his  party  in  the  meeting-house  prohibited  by  Coetus.  This 
displeased  the  congregation,  and  it  also  looked  around  for 
some  one  to  preach  for  it  in  the  old  church.  Now  it  hap- 
pened that  last  winter  Do.  Wallauer  came  into  this  country, 
but  without  a  recommendation  from  the  Reverend  Fathers. 
The  congregation  in  Baltimore  heard  of  his  arrival  and  sent 
a  delegate  to  engage  Do.  "WaUauer  in  order  to  preach  for  it 
until  the  next  Coetus.     Mr.  Wallauer  consented  to  do  this. 

Both  parties  appeared  at  this  Coetus,  the  party  that  had 
accepted  Mr.  Schwob  as  well  as  the  one  that  had  accepted  Mr. 
AYallauer.  The  latter  party  petitioned  for  Mr.  ^Yallauer, 
adding  a  call  with  fifty  signatures.  But  since  we  had  been 
warned  by  the  Reverend  Fathers  in  regard  to  Mr.  YTallauery 
we  could  not  receive  him,  of  which  the  delegates  from  Balti- 
more were  informed. 

Since  no  inclination  for  a  union  of  the  two  parties  could 
be  observed,  Coetus  was  ready  with  new  propositions  to  bring 
about  a  union.  The  first  proposition  was  not  to  take  up  the 
case  of  Baltimore  in  any  way  unless  the  two  parties  unite  and 
submit  themselves  to  the  Coetus,  which  will  then  take  care 
that  they  receive  a  minister.  But  this  proposition  was  not 
accepted.  Then  the  delegates  of  the  congregation  in  Balti- 
more were  asked  vvhether  they  would  allow  Mr.  Schwob  to 
preach  in  the  old  church.  But  their  plain  answer  was: 
*  *  No. ' '  Then  it  was  represented  to  Do.  Schwob  that,  because 
there  are  enough  other  places  where  he  could  preach,  he  should 
give  up  Baltimore,  as  otherwise  no  union  could  be  expected. 


330  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Mr.  Schwob  said  that  he,  personally,  did  not  insist,  but  his 
party  desii'^d  that  he  should  preach  for  them. 

In  this  connection  we  will  inform  the  Reverend  Fathers 
that  the  brethren  are  not  all  of  one  mind  in  regard  to  this 
case.  Some  appeal  to  the  resolution  at  Reading,  believing 
that  the  parties  will  not  unite  until  an  unpartisan  minister  is 
sent  there.  But  others  insist  that  ]\Ir.  Schwob 's  party  should 
be  assisted.  The  following  questions  relate  to  this  subject. 
They  were  approved  by  a  majority  of  votes  in  Coetus,  and 
are  hereby  submitted  to  the  judgment  of  the  Reverend 
Fathers : 

Question  1.  Whether  a  congregation  which  has  accepted  a 
minister  outside  of  the  Coetus,  and  without  the  consent  and  ap- 
proval of  the  same,  is  to  be  regarded  as  a  congregation  under 
the  Coetus,  and  whether  or  not  Coetus  could  take  care  of  such 
a  congregation? 

Resolved:  No. 

Question  2.  Whether  we  could  take  care  of  members  of  a 
congregation  who  submit  themselves  to  the  Coetus  and  desire 
to  be  supplied  with  a  minister? 

Resolved:  Yes. 

Then  the  following  resolution  was  passed : 

^'  The  congregation  in  Baltimore  shall  be  visited  from  time 
to  time  by  ministers  of  the  Coetus,  namely,  by  those  who  live 
across  the  Susquehanna.'' 

Article  X. 
AVith  regard  to  the  congregation  at  Pequea,  which  was  re- 
ferred to  at  length  in  the  Minutes  of  last  year,  it  may  be 
stated  that  it  was  formerly  served  by  the  ministers  of  Lan- 
caster. But  now  the  congregation  in  Lancaster  has  grown  to 
such  an  extent  that  a  minister  cannot  very  well  be  spared 
there,  on  account  of  catechization  and  other  ministerial 
duties,  which  at  times  are  very  numerous.  Therefore,  Brother 
Gobreeht,  having  been  requested  by  the  said  congregation, 
has  agreed,  because  he  has  to  serve  other  widely-scattered 
churches,  also  to  serve  Pequea  this  year,  every  four  weeks,  on 
a  week  day,  with  preaching  and  catechization,  and  also  on  two 
Sundays  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacraments.  This  was  ap- 
proved by  our  Coetus. 


BECOBDS  OF  1772.  331 

Article  XI. 

The  congregation  of  Cacusi,  otherwise  called  Heidelberg, 
in  Berks  County,  submitted  the  following  complaint:  The 
congregation  had  greatly  declined  for  some  time  because  it 
had  no  minister,  and  it  finally  had  found  itself  entirely  un- 
able to  secure  a  minister.  But  in  order  to  build  this  congre- 
gation up  again,  it  had  applied  to  the  congregation  in  Read- 
ing, when  Mr.  Boos  (of  whom  mention  shall  be  made  in  a  sep- 
arate article)  arrived  there,  to  be  served  by  him  from  time  to 
time.  The  congregation  in  Reading,  through  neighborly  love, 
allowed  IMr.  Boos  to  preach  in  Heidelberg  every  third  Sun- 
day, which,  up  to  this  time,  has  been  done  by  Mr.  Boos. 
From  the  testimonials  produced,  it  appeared  that  the  congre- 
gation at  Cacusi  was  much  pleased  with  his  preaching,  and 
through  his  ministry  almost  restored  to  its  former  condition. 

But  now  the  congregation  in  Reading  declares  that  it  can 
no  longer  allow  its  minister  to  serve  said  congregation,  be- 
cause it  considers  this,  for  certain  reasons,  harmful.  There- 
fore the  congregation  at  Cacusi  petitions  the  Reverend  Coetus 
that  it  might  continue  to  be  served  by  Mr.  Boos,  whereupon 
the  following  resolution  w^as  passed : 

Resolved,  That  as  long  as  said  congregation  shall  have  love 
and  affection  for  Mr.  Boos  and  feel  edified  by  his  sermons  and 
life,  it  shall  be  served  by  him. 

Article  XIL 

The  five  congregations  in  Virginia,  which  appeared  a  year 
ago  before  our  Coetus  and  most  earnestly  requested  a  min- 
ister of  our  Coetus,  came  again  this  year  with  a  most  urgent 
request.  But  the  Coetus,  as  in  the  previous  year,  w^as  unable 
to  comply  with  their  wish,  and  tried  to  encourage  them  once 
more  with  good  hope  and  consolation.  The  resolution  of 
Coetus,  and  the  letter  sent  to  them,  are  as  follows : 

Resolved :  These  congregations  shall  confer  with  each  other 
how  they  can  raise  a  salary  for  the  support  of  a  minister,  and 
then  make  out  a  call,  so  that  when  ministers  arrive  here  and 
are  willing,  they  may  accept  the  call.  In  the  meantime  they 
shall  occasionally  be  supplied  by  ministers  (of  the  Coetus). 

Article  XIII. 

Brother  Gros  from  Lower  Saucon  preferred  the  following 
complaint  against  his  congregations : 


332  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

1.  That  he  had  been  compelled  to  do  his  work  among  his 
congregations  for  a  long  time  with  sighs.  Not  only  had  they 
paid  no  regard  to  the  Word,  which  he  preached  to  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  but  faithful  admonitions  and  reproofs  also 
had  been  fruitless,  and  finally  he  had  to  preach  to  empty  seats. 

2.  That  these  congregations  had  been  entirely  forgetful  of 
their  duty  towards  their  minister  concerning  his  temporal 
support,  and  had  not  given  him  a  salary,  so  that  it  was  almost 
impossible  for  him  to  live.  Do.  Gros  also  presented  the  call 
given  to  him  by  his  congregations,  in  which  they  pledged 
themselves  to  give  a  salary  to  their  minister,  but  did  not  fix 
an  amount,  from  which  Do.  Gros  drew  the  concliLsion  that  at 
that  time  said  congregations  might  not  have  been  sincere 
towards  their  minister.  Now,  since  this  complaint  was  not 
contradicted,  either  by  the  accompanying  elder,  or  by  any  one 
else,  w^e  w^ere  compelled  to  uphold  Mr.  Gros,  and  the  follow- 
ing resolution  of  Coetus  was  sent  to  the  congregation  at 
Lower  Saucon : 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  congregation  at  Low^er 
Saucon  should  in  future  be  more  reverential  towards  the 
Word  of  God,  more  zealous  in  caring  for  their  souls,  and  act 
more  lovingly  towards  their  minister.  If  not,  Do.  Gros  shall 
have  permission  from  our  Coetus  to  accept  a  call  from  an- 
other place  at  any  time. 

Article  XIV. 

Concerning  Mr.  Boos:  The  congregation  in  Reading  again 
presented  a  call  for  Mr.  Boos,  together  with  a  commendatory 
testimonial  of  his  doctrine,  life  and  walk,  and  at  the  same 
time  requested  that  Mr.  Boos  might  be  left  to  them  as  their 
minister  next  year.  The  congregation  also  orally  petitioned 
for  his  reception  into  our  Coetus.  But  since  we  had  been 
warned  by  the  Reverend  Fathers  with  regard  to  Mr.  Boos,  the 
following  w^as  communicated  in  writing  to  the  congregation  in 
Reading : 

That  the  Reverend  Coetus,  by  virtue  of  the  last  letter  re- 
ceived from  the  Reverend  Fathers  concerning  Mr.  Boos,  could 
not  care  for  him,  and  still  less  admit  him  into  our  Coetus 
without  further  and  more  favorable  information  from  the 
Reverend  Fathers  in  re^rard  to  liim.     But  I\Ir.  Boos  shall  be 


BECOBDS  OF  1773, 


333 


left  to  them,  in  order  to  perform  the  duties  relating  to  their 
divine  service,  as  long  as  no  complaints  are  raised  against  him 
and  Mr.  Boos  succeeds  in  edifying  them. 

Article  XV, 
No  other  important  business  being  on  hand,  and  the  Coetus 
nearing  its  close,  the  brethren  gave  the  status  of  their  congre- 
gations, as  follows: 


Pastor. 


Weyberg 
Faber    . 

Gobrecht 
Weimar 
Blumer . 


Hendel , 


Gros  .   .   . 

Pomp    .    . 

Bucber .   . 

Helfericb , 
Helfenstein 
Gebhard  . 


Place. 


Wittner  .  .  .  . 
Du  Bois  .... 
Dallicker.    .    .    . 


Henop I 

Boehm 


Philadelphia 

'Old  Goshenhoppen    .    . 

Isew  Goshenhoppen  .  . 
.  Great  Swamp  ..... 
'Muddy  Creek 

Seltenreich       

Cocalico        

^Beyer's  Church  .       .    . 

Conococheague  .... 

fAllentown 

J  Jordan . 

j  Schlosser's 

lEgypt 

{Upper  Milford  .... 
Kastenberg 
Saltzburg . 

Korth  and  Southampton 

{Bockaway. 
YaUey 
Foxhill 

{Frederick 
Glade   ..... 
The  Mountains  .... 

Lancaster 

fTulpehocken 

I  Swatara 

-!  Muehlbach 

j  Heidelberg 

[Kaemerlings 

r  LoAver  Saucon     .... 

\  Indianfield 

Falker  Swamp    .... 
/  Lebanon  and  four  congre- 
\     gations  belonging  to  it 

Will  report  next  year. 


Fam. 

i 

^300 

■ 

170 

443 

86 

' 

82 

' 

95 

■ 

- 

134 

■ 

210 

154 

1 

146 

} 

87 

102 

} 

161 

216 


32 

37 
103 


Bapt. 

Conf. 

70 

32 

37 

^*23 

46 

15 

30 

47 

38 

41 

24 

30 

6 

5 

60 

14 

71 

40 

71 

.  t40 

20 
15 
35 


*  Those  who  have  subscribed  to  the  building  of  the  church  exclusive  of  occa- 
sional visitors. 

*■*  Of  whom  three  were  married, 
t  Includes  seven  married  people. 


334  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Coetus  resolved  to  discuss  where,  God  willing,  it  would 
meet  next  year.  Since,  in  the  usual  order,  Coetus  was  to  meet 
in  Philadelphia.  Brother  Weyberg  stated  that  the  congrega- 
tion in  Philadelphia  had  begun  to  build  a  new  church,  and 
that  they  expected,  under  God's  blessing,  to  finish  it  in  good 
time  during  next  summer,  and  therefore  asked  whether  Coetus 
could  not  meet  at  the  time  of  its  dedication.  This  was  not 
only  granted  by  Coetus,  but  also  found  very  commendable 
and  edifying. 

The  ]\Iinutes  were  then  signed  by  the  brethren  mentioned 
in  the  beginning,  and  our  Coetus  was  closed  with  prayer. 

May  Jesus,  the  Chief  Shepherd  of  His  flock,  regard  with 
favor  these  transactions  of  his  weak  instruments  and  over- 
look what  is  deficient  therein.  Finally,  may  He  permit  them 
to  serve  for  the  further  advancement  of  His  Church  and  the 
spread  of  His  name.     Amen. 

J.  Th.  Faber,  p.  t.  President. 
C.  L.  BoEHME,  p.  t.  Secretary. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OP  1773. 

(N.  B.,  No.  1144;  Hague  92,  B.  109;  Harbaugh 
MSS.,  No.  37.) 
Veiy  Reverend,  Learned  and  Veneralyle  Fathers  in  Christ: 

According  to  our  duty,  we  hereby  send  you  again  the  fol- 
lowing report  of  the  condition  of  the  congregations  in  Penn- 
sylvania entrusted  to  our  care.  This  report  consists  of  the 
Acts  of  our  Coetus,  held  in  Lancaster,  October  27th  and  28th, 
1773.  According  to  Article  XVI.  of  the  Acts  of  last  year, 
the  meeting  should  have  taken  place  in  Philadelphia,  about 
Pentecost,  in  order  to  dedicate,  on  that  occasion,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  congregation,  the  new  church  built  there.  But 
as  they  had  not  finished  the  building,  our  meeting  was  trans- 
ferred to  Lancaster  as  the  most  suitable  place.  May  our 
transactions  be  blessed,  above  all,  to  the  glorification  of  Jesus 
and  the  spread  of  His  Church,  but  may  they  also  give  satis- 
faction to  our  Reverend  Fathers!  We  commend  ourselves, 
and  all  our  Pennsylvania  congregations,  to  your  further  pro- 
tection and  fatherly  favor. 

ACTS  OF  THE  PENNSYLVANIA  COETUS^  HELD  IN  LANCASTER,  OCTO- 
BER 27  AND  28,  1773. 
Present. 
C.  L.  Boehm,  p.  t.  President,  pastor  at  Lancaster. 
AV.  Otterbein,  ''  York. 
Caspar  Weyberg,  "  Philadelphia. 
John  Phil.  Leydich,  *'  Pottstown. 

John  Waldschmidt,  *'  

W.  Hendel,  ''  Tulpehocken. 

Conrad  Bucher,  ''  Lebanon. 

Albert  Helffenstein,  *'  German to\^Ti. 

J.  G.  Gebhard,  ''  Skippack. 

Jacob  AVeymer,  *'  Conococheague. 

J.  Christ.  Gobrecht,  "  Cocalico. 

N.  Pomp,  "  Falkner  Swamp. 

John  Henry  Helffrich,  *'  Maxatawny. 

Frederick  Henop,  *'  Frederick  [Md.]. 

John  Th.  Faber,  *'  Goshenhoppen. 

Abraham  Blumer,  p.  t.  Secretary,  "  Northampton. 

(335) 


336  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Absent. 

Do.  AVittner,  pastor  at  Upper  Milford. 

Do.  DaUiker,      "       ''    Valley,  N.  J. 

Do.  Dii  Bois  passed  into  eternity  during  the  past  year. 

Do.  Faeliring  has  accepted  a  call  to  New  York;  also  Do. 
Gros.     See  Art.  X. 

Vacant  places,  or  congregations,  desiring  ministers : 

Three  congregations  on  the  Lehigh.     See  Art.  II. 

Hanover,  etc.     See  Art.  XI. 

The  congregations  in  Virginia  have  been  advised  to  send  a 
petition  to  the  Reverend  Deputies.     See  Art.  VI. 

SESSION  I.     OCTOBER  27Tn,  P.  M. 

The  majority  of  the  members  of  the  Honorable  Coetus 
having  met  in  Lancaster,  first  of  all  a  sermon  was  preached 
in  the  church  by  Do.  Weyberg,  on  Luke  xii.  49.  Then,  in  the 
afternoon,  at  2  o'clock,  the  sessions  began,  and  the  following 
business  was  transacted : 

I. 

Do.  Boehm,  who,  at  the  opening  of  the  session,  had  been 
elected  President,  put  the  general  questions  concerning  the 
external  and  internal  condition  of  the  congregations.  The 
answers  given  showed  (1)  that,  with  regard  to  the  external 
condition,  there  are  here  and  there  some  troubles,  which  ^vill 
be  mentioned  later  on.  (2)  With  regard  to  the  internal 
condition,  each  minister  has  some  hope  that  his  ministry  has 
been  accompanied  by  good  results  and  blessings;  some  hope 
more,  others  less. 

II. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  was  asked  for  a  minister  by  three 
congregations  on  the  Lehigh.  These  three  congregations  thus 
far  had  had  irregular  teachers,  and  were  in  no  connection 
with  the  Reverend  Coetus ;  and  because  there  is  hope  now  that 
some  good  may  be  done  among  them  by  a  regular  minister, 
the  Reverend  Coetus  deemed  it  well  to  help  them.  It  granted 
their  request  by  allowing  them  to  extend  a  regular  call  to  a 
minister  of  the  Reverend  Coetus.  Until  that  time,  they  must 
be  satisfied  with  the  service  of  the  neighboring  ministers. 


BECOBDS  OF  1773,  337 

III. 

A  congregation  in  Lower  Tulpehocken,  which,  was  served 
by  Do.  Stoy,  but  was  left  by  him  some  time  ago,  asked, 
through  a  delegated  elder,  to  be  served  by  one  or  the  other 
minister  from  tlie  neighborhood,  which  was  granted  to  them. 

IV. 

Trumbaner's  congregation,  in  Bncks  County,  which  was  at 
first  served  by  Do.  Gobrecht,  and  afterwards,  from  time  to 
time,  by  Do.  Faber,  asked  the  Keverend  Coetus  for  Do.  Geb- 
hard.  Because  he  has  to  serve  only  two  congregations,  and 
may,  with  the  consent  of  these,  give  every  third  Sunday  to 
said  congregation,  therefore  the  Reverend  Coetus  has  given 
its  consent  to  it. 

V. 

The  congregation  at  Naconixum  [Noelamixon] ,  which  1±ius 
far  was  not  connected  with  any  other  congregation  having  a 
minister,  requests  the  service  of  Mr.  Wack.  Because  there 
appeared  to  be  no  obstacle  to  this,  the  Reverend  Coetus  voted 
that  Mr,  "Wack  shall  serve  the  congregation  from  time  to 
time  in  as  far  as  he  may  do  so  without  neglecting  his  other 
congregations. 

SESSION  n.    OCTOBER  28th,  a.  M. 

VI. 

Since  several  congregations  in  Virginia,  which  were  en- 
tirely neglected  until  this  time,  hav-e  often,  and  now  again, 
asked  for  a  minister,  it  was  resolved  that  they  shall  be  visited 
from  time  to  time  by  the  ministers  living  nearest  to  them. 

vn. 

The  same  resolution  as  in  the  preceding  article  was  reached 
by  the  Reverend  Coetus  with  regard  to  the  congregations  on 
Holzon's  River.* 

VIII. 

"Whereas  the  sad  division  in  the  congregation  in  Baltimore 
still  continues,  and  the  one  party  extended  a  call  to  Do.  Otter- 
bein,  and  the  question  was  put  whether  it  would  be  advisable 

*  Perhaps  Holston  river  in  Virginia. 
22 


338  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

for  Do.  Otterbein  to  accept  the  call,  Coetus  resolved:  That, 
inasmuch  as  the  other  party  is  too  much  prejudiced  against 
Do.  Otterbein,  it  would  be  better  that  some  one  else  should 
serve  the  congregation.  ^NTiereupon  the  elders  of  both  par- 
ties present  at  the  Coetus  extended  a  call  to  Do.  Hendel,  who 
was  given  permission  by  the  Reverend  Coetus  to  accept  it. 
But  in  case  Do.  Hendel  should  decline,  the  congregation  was 
given  permission  to  call  some  other  member  of  the  Reverend 
Coetus. 

IX. 

Mr.  Wack  reported  that  a  school  teacher  had  dared  to 
baptize  a  child.  The  judgment  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  being 
requested  in  this  case,  it  was  resolved  that  such  baptism  was 
invalid. 

X. 

Do.  Gros  having  left  his  congregations  in  Pennsylvania, 
about  a  year  ago,  and  accepted  a  call  in  the  State  of  New 
York,  sent  a  written  statement  to  the  Coetus  justifying  his 
departure.  The  reasons  why  Do.  Gros  left  his  congregations 
in  Pennsylvania  are,  as  he  writes:  1.  Unkindness,  obstinacy, 
negligence  of  the  members  in  attending  divine  service;  2.  in- 
justice in  withholding  and  retaining  his  salary. 

XI. 

Hanover,  Abbottstown,  Bermudian,  and  Silver  Run  ask  for 
a  minister  who  would  serve  them  in  common.  It  was  resolved 
to  care  for  them  as  soon  as  possible. 

XII. 

Since  Do.  Otterbein  reports  that  he  is  determined  to  leave 
the  congregation  in  York,  and  the  congregation  therefore 
asks  for  Mr.  Wagner,  it  was  resolved  that,  in  case  Do.  Otter- 
bein really  leaves  York,  Mr.  Wagner  may  serve  it;  however, 
a  written  call  shall  be  presented  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Reverend  Coetus  for  confirmation. 

XIII. 

Finally,  it  was  resolved  that  the  next  meeting  of  Coetus 
shall  be  held  on  the  second  Sunday  before  Ascension,  in 
Philadelphia. 


BECOBDS  OF  1773.  339 

Now  follow  the  statistics  of  the  congregations,  as  handed  in ; 

Fam.  Bapt.  Conf. 

Weyberg,  in  Philadelphia 300  135  40 

Boehm,  in  Lancaster 218  103  24 

Leydich,  in  Pottstown,  Providence  and  Coventry 136  56  22 

Henop,    in    Frederick,    Elittatinny    Mountains,    and 

Glade  church 188  107  62 

Pomp,  in  Palkner  Swamp  and  Vincent 107  66  42 

Faber,  in  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen  and  Trum- 

bauer  's    260  87  36 

Bucher,  in  Lebanon,   Quittopehilla,  Warwick,   Man- 

heim,  Eapho,  and  Donegal 162  127  15 

Weymer,  in  Conococheague 86  45  24 

In  visiting  the  churches  in  Virginia 89  88 

Gobrecht,    in    Cocalico,    Muddy    Creek,    Seltenreich 

and   Eeyer  's 92  65  29 

Helffrich,  Maxatawny,  Langekirch  [De  Long],  Hei- 
delberg and  Lowhill 118  65  13 

Blumer,   in   Northampton,   Jordan,    Schlosser's    and 

Egypt  125  91  25 

May  the  good  and  faithful  Shepherd,  Jesus  Christ,  who 
gathered  His  flock  by  the  service  of  the  Word  and  the  power 
of  His  Spirit,  and  purchased  it  with  His  blood  for  God,  fur- 
ther preserve,  spread  and  multiply  the  same,  to  the  praise  of 
His  glorious  grace  and  the  eternal  salvation  of  men.    ^ 

Charles  Lewis  Boehme,  p.  t.  Pres. 

Abraham  Blumer,  p.  t.  Sec. 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  SYNODS  AND  CLASSIS, 
NOVEMBER  26,  1773. 

(Hague  92,  B.  110;  N.  B.,  No.  1145.) 

Most  Eeverend,  Most  Learned,  and  Most  Esteemed  Fathers: 

We  feel  honored  by  two  letters  from  you,  dated  March  9th,  1772,  and 
March  11th,  1773,  together  with  your  answer  to  the  Minutes,  of  Coetus 
held  in  Reading.  In  these  letters  you  show  your  sincere  love  and  care 
for  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  and  the  Avelftire  of  the  church  of  this 
country.  You  plainly  and  earnestly  warn  us  against  that  which  might 
be  contrary  to  your  intentions. 

We  must  begin  our  letter  by  confessing  our  fault,  namely,  that  those 
young  men  who  were  examined  in  Reading  in  1771,  and  whose  rigorous 
examination  was  concluded  in  Lancaster  in  1772,  after  they  had  satisfied 
the  appointed  examiners  (together  with  Mr.  Schwob,  who  had  passed 
his  examination  before,  being  a  man  of  forty  years  of  age),  were  given 
permission  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacraments  in  those  congregations 
which  they  had  until  then  supplied  only  with  preaching.  All  this  was 
done  before  we  received  your  fatherly  warnings.  From  these  we  now 
learn  that  we  acted  hastily,  and  hereby  ask,  hoping  for  a  favorable  an- 
swer, your  pardon  of  this  hasty  action  of  Coetus.  However,  said  men 
are  not  recognized  as  regular  members  of  the  Coetus,  and  have  no  vote 
in  our  meeting  until  the  Reverend  Fathers  shall  give  their  consent. 

From  Article  9  and  the  conclusion  of  the  ^Minutes  in  Reading,  1771, 
you  infer  that  the  Coetus  appointed  for  Wliitsunday  of  the  following 
year  must  be  a  special  meeting,  but  it  is  the  Coetus  held  on  the  17th  and 
18th  of  June,  1772,  in  Lancaster,  of  which  the  Reverend  Fathers  must 
have  received  the  Minutes  long  ago.  The  time  of  the  meeting  was 
changed  from  fall  to  the  beginning  of  summer,  in  order  to  send  the 
Minutes  sufficiently  early,  that  we  may  receive  your  answer  before  the 
next  Coetus  is  held. 

The  Reverend  Fathers  ask  us  whether  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania 
received  any  charitable  donations  from  the  city  and  county  of  Groningen. 
To  this  we  answer,  tliat  for  two  years  we  have  received  no  charitable 
donations,  except  li?0  11.  from  you,  the  Most  Reverend  Deputies  of  the 
Reverend  Synods  of  North  and  South  Holland,  with  a  letter  dated 
March  9th,  1772;  and  250  fl.  from  the  Most  Reverend  Deputies  of  the 
Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  for  which  generous  and  kind  gifts  we 
heartily  thank  you,  praying  to  God  that  He  may  reward  you. 

To  the  question  which  you  raise  concerning  Baltimore,  whether  those 
of  adverse  opinion  cannot  be  prevented  by  the  secular  government  from 
building  a  second  church,  we  must  answer  that  such  cannot  be  done  in 
Pennsylvania,  still  less  in  Maryland,  to  which  State  Baltimore  belongs. 

'   (340) 


EECOEDS  OF  1773.  341 

But  Mr.  Christian  Faber,*  who  was  formerly  in  Baltimore,  but  left  it 
for  the  sake  of  peace,  in  the  hope  of  a  reunion,  must  be  distinguished 
from  Do.  J.  Th.  Faber,  who  was  sent  bj  you,  and  who,  from  the  begin- 
ning until  the  present  time,  has  faithfully  served  his  congregation  at 
Goshenhoppen. 

Do.  Wittner  conducts  himself,  in  his  small  congregations,  over  which 
he  was  placed,  as  it  were,  on  trial,  in  such  a  way  that  as  yet  not  the 
least  complaint  has  been  brought  against  him.  Heretofore  his  poverty 
was  the  main  cause  of  the  miserable  condition  of  his  body  and  mind. 
Since  this  has  now,  to  some  extent,  been  remedied,  there  is  hope  that  his 
ability  to  edify  his  people  will  increase. 

Mr.  Boos,  against  whom  you  so  earnestly  warn  us,  is  not  recognized 
by  the  Coetus  as  a  member;  and  with  respect  to  Stahlschmidt,  we  will 
not  do  anything  without  your  consent. 

The  Eeverend  Fathers  finally  ask  for  the  causes  why  Do.  Stoy  is  not 
considered  a  member  of  Coetus.  The  cause  lies  in  the  fear  of  Coetus 
that  in  future  our  meetings  would  be  passed  fruitlessly  with  unprofitable 
discussions  if  Do.  Stoy  were  present.  A  year  ago  he  published  a  sar- 
castic article  against  Coetus  in  the  newspaper,  and  this  year,  after  the 
meeting  of  Coetus,  sent  to  all  the  ministers  a  circular  fiilled  with  the 
most  violent  threats. 

The  charitable  donations,  amounting  to  46  pounds  5  shillings,  Pennsyl- 
vania money,  whose  receipt  was  acknowledged  above,  were  used  as  fol- 
lows; 

£  s. 

Two  schoolmasters 4         10 

An  eld  blind  man 2  5 

Two  widows  of  ministers  in  Philadelphia 8 

Total 14         15 

The  traveling  expenses  of  the  minister  going  to  Holzon's  Eiver  must 
be  paid  out  of  the  balance  remaining,  according  to  Art.  VII.  The  bal- 
ance, amounting  to  £31  10s.  was  not  used  by  the  members  of  Coetus  for 
their  traveling  expenses  this  year,  for  reasons  which  we  hereby  take  the 
liberty  to  lay  before  you. 

Most  of  us  are  in  our  best  years,  all  are  married  except  Do.  Otterbein, 
and  the  majority  are  blessed  with  children.  Owing  to  our  very  arduous 
work  our  strength  is  early  exhausted,  and  none  of  us  can  save  enough  out 
of  his  salary  to  enable  his  widow  and  orphans  to  live  comfortably  after 
his  death.  Moreover,  there  are  no  institutions  in  this  country  which 
care  for  widows  and  orphans.  Now,  in  order  not  to  leave  our  dear  ones 
entirely  helpless  after  our  departure,  all  the  members  of  Coetus  have  re- 
solved to  establish  a  widows'  and  orphans'  fund,  into  which  every  mem- 
ber of  Coetus,  as  long  as  he  lives,  is  to  pay  annually  a  fixed  sum,  which, 

*  His  correct  name  was  John  Christopher  Faber,  as  appears  from  a 
letter  of  his,  preserved  at  the  Hague,  92,  B.  107. 


342  COETVS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

after  his  death,  is  to  be  paid  out,  with  interest,  to  his  widow  and 
orphans.  But  since  we  are  too  weak  in  number  and  means  to  make  a 
good  start  in  this  enterprise,  we  ask  the  Reverend  Fathers  for  permis- 
sion to  use  for  this  purpose  that  money  which  remains  of  the  charitable 
donations,  after  duly  providing  for  the  present  widows  of  ministers  and 
schoolmasters,  and  which  thus  far  was  used  to  defray  the  traveling  ex- 
penses of  the  ministers  attending  Coetus. 

With  respect  to  Do.  Du  Bois,  deceased,  we  mention  that  his  former 
congregations  cannot  be  supplied  by  any  of  us,  for  English  and  Dutch 
must  be  preached  there  at  the  same  time.  For  this  reason  the  Secretary 
did  not  include  those  congregations  among  the  vacant  charges.  They 
hope  to  be  supplied  from  New  York. 

Finally,  since  in  your  letter,  dated  Hague,  March  9th,  1772,  an  entire 
postscript  of  eight  lines  is  stricken  out,  we  take  the  liberty  to  ask  the 
Reverend  Fathers  whether  said  postscript  underwent  this  change  already 
in  Holland  or  not. 

In  conclusion,  we  ask  God  for  his  richest  blessing  upon  you,  and  com- 
mend ourselves  and  our  congregations  to  your  further  love. 

We  remain,  in  due  reverence,  Most  Reverend  Fathers, 
Your  obedient  servants, 

C.  L.  BoEHM,  p.  t.  President. 
Abraham  Blumer,  p.  t.  Secretary. 

Northampton,  November  26,  177 S. 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS  HELD  IN  PHILADELPHIA, 
MAY  2-3,  1774. 

(N.  B.,  1151;  Hague  92,  B.  116.) 

Tlie  Coetiis  of  Pennsylvania  was  held  this  time  in  Phila- 
delphia, May  2d  and  3d,  1774. 

The  following  was  transacted  in  the  presence  of — 
Name.  Place. 

Abr.  Blumer,  p.  t.  President,  Northampton. 

Caspar  Weyberg,  Philadelphia. 

John  Phil.  Leydich,  Pottstown. 

WilHam  Hendel,  Tulpehocken. 

N.  Pomp,  Falkner  Swamp. 

George  Wittner,  Upper  Milford. 

Conrad  Bucher,  Lebanon. 

C.  L.  Boehm,  Lancaster. 

Albert  Helffenstein,  Germantown.  i 

J.  G.  Gebhard,  Skippack. 

J.  H.  Helffrich,  Maxatawny. 

J.  C.  Fab^r,  Pipe  Creek.  ^ 

Frederick  Delliker,  Valley. 

The  following  were  absent: 

Frederick  Henop,  Frederick,  on  account  of  a  journey  to 
Virginia. 

J.  Th.  Faber,  Goshenhoppen,  on  account  of  the  sickness  of 
his  children. 

W.  Otterbein,  Baltimore,  on  account  of  his  journey  to  that 
place. 

J.  Waldschmidt. 

Jacob  Weymar,  Conococheague. 

J.  Christ.  Gobrecht,  Cocalico,  probably  on  account  of  a 
freshet. 

The  congregations  that  desire  to  be  supplied  with  ministers, 
and  for  which,  in  the  meantime,  we  try  our  best  to  provide, 
are  the  following: 

1,  The   congregations  of  New[?]    Hanover,   Abbottstown, 

(343) 


344  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Bermudian,   Silver  Run,   and   Kreuzkirche    [Christ  church, 
near  Littlesto^vn].     See  Art.  II. 

2.  The  three  congregations  on  the  Lehigh.     See  Art.  V. 

SESSION   I.      MAY   2d,   2   P.   M. 

On  the  previous  day,  i.  e.,  the  1st  of  May,  the  solemn  dedi- 
cation of  the  newly-built  church  in  Philadelphia  took  place. 
There  was  a  three-fold  service,*  which  was  opened  by  Do. 
We3^berg  himself,  ^vith  a  discourse  on  Ezek.  xliii.  7.  Do. 
Blumer,  President  of  the  Coetus,  chose  for  his  text  Rom.  xii.  2. 

Article  I. 
The  answers  to  the  usual  questions  by  Do.  Blumer,  Presi- 
dent, showed,  as  a  rule,  that  the  Lord  had  graciously  looked 
upon  the  zeal  and  diligence  of  His  servants,  and  conferred 
His  divine  and  almighty  blessing  upon  their  important  work. 

Article  II, 
The  following  congregations,  New  Hanover,  Silver  Run, 
Christ  church,  Abbottsto^vn,  and  Bermudian,  desired  a  min- 
ister, as  at  the  last  Coetus  (see  Art.  XI  of  the  Acts  sent  last 
year).  Their  earnest  desire  was  complied  with  in  so  far  as 
permission  was  -given  them  to  extend  a  regular  call  to  any 
minister  from  our  Coetus,  who  shall  be  authorized  to  accept 
the  same,  if  he  will,  without  further  informing  the  Coetus. 
Until  this  takes  place,  these  congregations  shall  be  served,  as 
far  as  possible,  by  the  nearest  ministers. 

Article  III. 
Two  delegates  **  from  Bedtimore  appeared,  who,  at  the  same 
time  that  they  handed  in  a  petition  in  favor  of  Do.  Wallauer, 

*  This  threefold  service  consisted  of  a  Gennan  sermon,  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Wejberg,  in  the  morning,  an  English  sermon,  by  the  Eev.  Dr.  Peters, 
in  the  afternoon,  Tvhen  the  Governor  of  Pennsylvania  ^as  present,  and 
a  German  sermon  in  the  evening,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Boehm,  of  Lancaster. 
On  the  following  day,  Monday,  May  2d,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Smith,  Provost  of 
Philadelphia  College,  preached  in  the  morning,  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Blumer, 
of  Allentown,  in  the  evening.  See  **  Pennsylvanische  Staatsbote  *'  of 
May  10,  1774. 

**  The  original  has  "  Vorsteher, "  but  this  word  seems  to  be  used  here 
in  the  general  sense  of  officers  or  delegates,  as  there  is  no  reason  why 
they  should  have  sent  their  deacons  to  represent  the  congregation. 


BECOBDS  OF  1774.  345 

presented  a  paper  from  the  congi^egation,  which  stated  that 
Do.  Otterbein  had  arrived  in  Baltimore  against  the  wish  of 
one  party  of  the  congregation,  and  also  against  the  decision 
of  the  last  Coetiis  (see  Art.  VIII.  of  the  Minutes  of  last 
Coetus),  and  also  bitterly  complained  of  this,  because  they  re- 
gard Do.  Otterbein  as  a  hindrance  to  the  union  that  might 
ever  be  hoped  for  on  account  of  prejudices  against  him. 

Since  the  Reverend  Fathers  very  likely  know  the  nature  of 
the  scattered  congregation  in  Baltimore,  ajid  since,  on  the 
other  hand,  the  decisions  of  the  Reverend  Coetus,  no  matter 
what  they  are,  are  very  little  respected,  and  since  in  general 
so  much  time  has  already  been  consumed  regarding  the  con- 
dition of  this  congregation  without  effecting  the  desired 
union,  which  has  been  the  only  aim  of  our  efforts,  it  was  re- 
solved to  submit  this  important  case  to  the  high  and  most 
mature  decision  of  the  Reverend  Sirs  and  Fathers.  The  case 
at  present  is  as  follows : 

The  Reverend  Coetus  decided,  according  to  said  Art.  VIII 
of  the  last  Acts,  that  Mr.  Hendel,  or  another  impartial  min- 
ister, would  be  better  suited  for  Baltimore  than  Do.  Otterbein, 
because  the  latter  has  so  much  opposition  through  the  preju- 
dice of  prepossessed  enemies. 

But  Do.  Otterbein,  in  his  letter  to  the  Coetus,  appeals  to  his 
liberty  to  accept  a  congregation  according  to  his  conscience, 
when,  if  not  to  the  many,  yet  to  a  few,  it  may  be  regarded  a 
means  of  edification. 

Article  IV. 

The  congregation  of  York,  which  was  vacated  by  Do.  Otter- 
bein, gave  a  call  to  Do.  Wagner.  The  Reverend  Coetus  al- 
lowed Do.  Wagner  to  accept  the  call. 

Article  V. 
The  congregations  on  the  Lehigh  had  given  a  call  to  Do. 
Steiner,  but,  after  mature  consideration  of  the  affairs,  and 
from  a  knowledge  of  these  congregations,  it  was  thought  better 
to  have  them  still  served  by  neighboring  pastors. 

SESSION   II.      MAY   3d,   P.   M. 

Article  VI. 
The  desire  of  Do.  J.  Christopher  Faber  to  be  received  as  a 


346  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

member  of  the  Honorable  Coetus  was  presented.  Taking  into 
consideration  your  consent,  which  appeared  from  the  second 
section  of  Art.  XV  of  your  last  letter  to  our  Coetus,  and  con- 
sidering also  the  testimonials  of  his  congregations,  it  was  re- 
solved to  comply  with  his  request. 

Article  VII. 

Finally,  it  was  resolved  to  hold  the  next  meeting  of  our 
Coetus  on  the  tliird  Wednesday  before  Ascension  Day,  in 
Lebanon,  Lancaster  County. 

Statistics  of  the  congregations,  as  far  as  they  were  pre- 
sented at  the  Coetus  recently  held : 

Fam.     Bapt.     Conf. 
Blumer,     in     Northampton,     Jordan,     Egypt,     and 

Schlosser 's  Church 148  42  30 

Weyberg,  in  Philadelphia 300  60         52 

Hendel,    in    Tulpehocken,    Muhlbach,    Bethel,    and 

Heidelberg 181  88  43 

Pomp,  in  Falkner  Swamp  and  Vincent 95  62  42 

Wittner,  in  Upper  Milford,  Saltzburg,  and  Kesten- 

berg 50  42 

Bucher,  in  Lebanon,  Quittopehilla,  Warwick,  Man- 

heim,  Eapho,  Donegal 155  64 

Helffrich,  in  Heidelberg,  LowhUl,  and  Maxatawny. .   102  29  20 

Dellicker,  in    Alexandria,    Eockaway,    Valley,    and 

FoxhiU,  for  two  years 109        115  25 

Abraham  Blumer,  p.  t.  Pres. 
Frederick  Delliker,  p.  t.  Sec. 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  SYNODS  AND  CLASSIS, 
JUNE  6,  1774. 

(Hague  92,  B.  117;  N.  B.,  No.  1153.) 

Very  Beverend,  Learned  and  Honored  Gentlemen,  and  Fathers  in  Christ: 

We  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  to  you  the  great  pleasure  which 
we  had  in  the  signal  blessing  which  the  Lord  bestowed  upon  the  Phila- 
delphia congregation  in  the  completion  of  its  important  church  edifice. 
It  is  a  building  which,  in  the  opinion  of  competent  judges,  excels  most 
churches  of  this  city  in  the  most  essential  respects. 

With  the  aid  of  God,  Do.  Weyberg,  together  with  his  helpers,  have 
happily  overcome  innimierable  difficulties  and  obstacles,  and  have,  by 
this  beautiful  edifice,  gathered  the  hitherto  scattered  congregation,  with 
a  few  exceptions,  into  one  flock. 

The  assistance  rendered,  not  only  by  the  congregation  itself,  but  even 
by  other  denominations,  convinces  us  that  that  is  done  in  America  which 
has  long  and  vainly  been  sighed  for  in  Germany.  Epi3copalia,ns,  Pres- 
byterians, Eeformed  and  Lutherans  united  their  wishes  and  gifts,  so 
that  the  church  edifice  in  Philadelphia,  which  cost  about  7,000  pounds, 
could  be  completed  and  consecrated.  During  a  whole  week,  one  day  ex- 
cepted, the  congregation  was  admonished,  two  or  three  times  a  day,  by 
the  best  and  most  thoughtful  sermons,  that  they  should  dedicate  new 
hearts  and  willing  spirits  in  this  new  temple,  in  order  that  God  might 
dwell  therein. 

The  welcome  gift  of  250  guilders  was  delivered  to  us  by  Do.  Weyberg; 
but  as  distributions  to  needy  widows  and  other  poor  persons  were  made 
quite  recently,  that  is,  in  October  last,  we  applied  the  entire  sum  to  our 
intended  fund  for  the  relief  of  ministers'  widows.  We  hope  that  you 
will  endorse  this,  according  to  our  opinion,  most  necessary  project  by 
youT  continued  benevolence. 

Your  request  to  furnish  you  with  a  list  of  the  schools  and  school  chil- 
dren will  be  complied  with  at  our  next  meeting,  Deo  volente  [God  will- 
ing]. It  would  have  been  done  now,  but  it  was  known  only  to  very  few. 
Eespecting  the  schools,  there  is  still  great  imperfection  here,  especially 
in  .Jersey,  where  my  congregations  are.  There  is  a  lack  of  competent 
German  teachers;  therefore,  many  schools  must  be  provided  with  Eng- 
lish schoolmasters,  most  of  whom  are  imported  Irishmen.  If  there  was 
here  or  there  a  German  who  knew  something,  he  immediately  took  it  into 
his  head  to  become  a  preacher.  An  application  of  this  kind  was  made 
to  this  Coetus,  but  was  refused. 

You  will,  no  doubt,  remember  that  the  candidates  Neveling,  Wack, 
Wagner,  Steiner  and  Weber,  after  having  passed  the  examination,  were 
received  into  the  holy  ministry.  You,  Eeverend  and  Dear  Sirs,  did  not 
fail  to  express  your  disapprobation  of  said  act,   and  your  sentiments 

(347) 


348  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

shall  be  duly  respected  in  the  future.  But  since  the  thing  has  been  done, 
would  you  not  have  the  great  kindness  to  incorporate  into  the  Coetus 
the  above  candidates,  especially  the  three  first  named,  viz.,  Dos.  Neveling, 
Wack  and  Wagner,  who  did  their  duty  in  the  study  of  the  original  lan- 
guages of  the  Bible.  All  their  testimonials  are  as  good  as  can  be  ex- 
pected. If  you,  Reverend  Sirs,  would  give  us  this  proof  of  your  fatherly 
affection,  it  would  contribute  much  to  raise  them  in  the  respect  and  esti- 
mation of  their  congregations,  which  is  necessary  in  this  country. 

We  have.  Reverend  and  Dear  Sirs,  received  such  incessant  proofs  of 
your  solicitude  for  us  and  for  our  churches  that  each  rightly-thinking 
member  of  our  assembly  cannot  be  grateful  enough  for  it.  We,  espec- 
ially I  for  myself,  express  the  fervent  wish  and  incessant  prayer  to  the 
God  who  hears  us,  that  the  light  of  your  sanctified  knowledge  and  doc- 
trine may  continue  to  be  the  blessed  means  in  God's  hand  to  win  many 
souls  bought  by  the  precious  blood  of  Jesus.  But  we  beseech  you  also 
to  pray,  in  fatherly  affection,  for  us,  as  your  sons  in  Christ,  who  have 
no  assistance  to  hope  for  from  the  secular  power,  but  must,  in  our 
onerous  calling,  expect  everything  from  the  divine  power  to  convince, 
that  God  may  more  and  more  open  the  doors  of  His  Word  for  us  to 
preach  with  gladness  and  cheerful  spirit  the  mystery  of  the  crucified 
Jesus. 

Recommending  ourselves  to  your  high  favor  and  fatherly  affection, 
we  remain,  with  due  respect  and  devotion, 

Very  Reverend,  Learned,  and  Honored  Sirs  and  Fathers, 
Your  obedient  servants, 

Abraham  Blumer,  p.  t.  Pres. 
Fredrick  Delliker,  p.  t.  Sec, 
West  New  Jersey,  in  the  German  Valley,  Juiw  6,  1774. 

P.  S.  According  to  the  request  of  Mr.  Stearing,  dated  Hague,  Novem- 
ber 17th,  1773,  wc  report  that  Dr.  Sonnemens  is  still  alive,  and  that  he 
has  himself  informed  his  family  of  the  fact. 


MINUTES  OF  COETUS  HELD  IN  LEBANON,  MAY 
10-11,  1775. 

N.  B.,  No.  1164;  Hague  92,  B.  120;  Harbaugh 
MSS.,  No.  45.) 

The  Coetiis  of  Pennsylvania  was  held  at  this  time  in  Leb- 
anon, May  10th  and  11th,  1775. 

The  following  was  transacted  in  the  presence  of — 
Nam  e.  'Place. 

Fr.  Dallicker,  p.  i.  President,  Valley. 

W.  Otterbein,  Baltimore. 

W.  Hendel,  Tulpehocken. 

C.  Gobrecht,  Cocalico. 

A.  Blumer,  Northampton. 

H.  Helffrich,  Maxatawny. 

F.  Henop,  Frederick. 

N.  Pomp,  Falkner  Swamp. 

C.  L.  Boehm,  Hanover. 

J.  Th.  Faber,  Goshenhoppen. 

Jacob  Weymer,  Conoeocheague.  , 

J.  W.  Ingold,  Skippack. 

C.  Bucher,  Lebanon. 

Absent  were : 

Caspar  Weyberg,  Philadelphia,  on  account  of  fear  that  the 
enemy  might  attack  the  city. 

George  "Wittner,  Upper  Milford,  on  account  of  domestic 
affairs. 

John  Phil.  Leydich,  Pottstown. 

Albert  Helffenstein,  Germantown. 

Christopher  Faber,    Pipe  Creek. 

John  Waldschmidt. 

The  congregations  which  desire  to  be  supplied  with  min- 
isters, and  for  which  we  try  our  best  to  provide,  are  the  fol- 
lowing : 

1.  Lancaster.     See  Art.  II. 

2.  The  congregations:  Organ  Church,  Jacob's  Church, 
Rosenthal  and  Dunkel's  Church. 

SESSION   I.      MAY   IOtH,   2   P.   M. 

There  was  preaching,  as  customary,  in  the  forenoon,  by  Do. 

(349) 


350  C0ETU8  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Dalliker,  the  President  of  Coetus,  on  Heb.  iii.  1,  after  which 
the  following  was  transacted  in  the  afternoon : 

Article  I. 

From  the  usual  questions,  it  a^ppeared  that  the  nature  of 
the  condition  of  our  churches  is  moderately  hopeful,  and  we 
pray  the  Lord  that  He  may  graciously  increase  the  good,  to 
the  honor  of  His  name  and  the  propagation  of  His  true 
Church. 

Article  II. 

Do.  Boehm  having  left  Lancaster  and  accepted  the  congre- 
gation at  Hanover,  etc.,  according  to  the  permission  given  him 
in  the  last  Coetus,  under  Art.  II,  two  delegates  from  Lan- 
caster appeared  with  a  written  call  for  Do.  J.  Th.  Faber,  who, 
however,  could  not  decide  to  leave  his  congregations.  The 
following  advice  was  therefore  given  to  Lancaster,  by  resolu- 
tion of  the  Coetus:  That  Lancaster  should  have  liberty  (in 
case  the  congregation  could  agree)  to  call  any  minister  from 
the  Coetus,  and  any  minister  may  accept  the  call  without 
waiting  until  the  next  meeting.  Further,  the  congregation 
shall  be  served  by  neighboring  ministers  as  much  as  possible. 

Article  III. 

Since  the  congregations  on  the  Lehigh  again  presented  a 
call  for  Do.  Steiner  (see  Art.  V  of  the  Minutes  of  last  year), 
permission  was  given  him  to  accept  the  call,  In  accordance 
with  his  desire,  which,  however,  will  not  occur  before  fall. 
The  vacant  congregations  shall  be  visited  by  ministers  of  the 
vicinity. 

Article  IV. 

In  consideration  of  the  great  troubles  and  sad  conditions 
under  which  we  now  live,  it  was  resolved  that  on  the  last 
Wednesday  of  next  June  a  day  of  general  fasting,  repentance 
and  prayer  shall  be  held  in  all  our  congregations. 

SESSION  II.     MAY  IIth,  8  A.  M. 

Article  V. 

After  mature  deliberations,  the  Coetus  finds  it  advisable 

that  Do.  Otterbein  continue  his  work  in  the  congregation  in 

Baltimore.     It  appears  from  his  report  that  he  labors  with 

blessing,  and  that  the  opposing  party  is  becoming  quiet. 


BECOBDS  OF  1775,  351 

Article  YI. 
The  course  of  Do.  Boehm  in  leaving  Lancaster  was  ap- 
proved, on  account  of  the  promises  given  (see  Art.  II  of  the 
Minutes  of  last  year),  because  he  has  accepted  these  congre- 
gations, namely,  New  Hanover,  etc. 

Article  VII. 
Do.  Ingold  accepted  the  congregations  Witpen  and  Wor- 
cester, which  was  approved  by  us.     Said  congregations  were 
formerly  served  by  Do.  Gebhard,  who  has  accepted  the  con- 
gregation in  New  York. 

Article  VIII. 
The  next  Coetus  shall  be  held,  God  willing,  on  the  third 
Wednesday  before  Ascension  Day,  in  Lancaster. 

Statistics  of  the  congregations  since  the  last  Coetus : 

Fam.    Bapt.    Conf.  Schools.  Pupils. 
Dallieker,  in  Bockaway  Valley  and 

Foxhill  (of  the  eight  schools,  five 

are  English) 00         62         39  8  97 

Hendel,  in  Tulpehocken,  Host,  Swa- 

tara,  Muhlbach,  Heidelberg 174         69         25  2  126 

Gobrecht,  in  Cocalico,  Muddy  Creek, 

Seltenreich,  and  Eeyer's 96         45         32  2  48 

Blumer,    in    Northampton,    Jordan, 

Schlosser's,  and  Egypt 152         74         74  3  97 

Helffrich,    in    Heidelberg,    Lowhill, 

Maxatawny,  and  Long  Swamp...   149         63         24  ..  58 

Henop,  in  Frederick,   Glade,  Eatta- 

tinny    Mountains 206         54         26  2  159 

Pomp,  in  Falkner  Swamp  and  Vin- 
cent      115         70        42 

J.  Th.  Faber,  in  New  Goshenhoppen, 

Old     Goshenhoppen,     and     Great 

Swamp    254        44        33  

Ingold,  in  Worcester  and  Witpen. . .     82         28         27 
Weymer     (three     united    congrega- 
tions),  in   Conococheague,    and   a 

visit  to  Virginia 97         95       116  3  70 

Bucher,    in   Lebanon,    Quittopehilla, 

Warwick,    Manheim,    Eapho,    and 

Donegal 150       100         61  3  79 

Weyberg,  in  Philadelphia 300       133         51  1  100 

,  Lancaster 183         97         41  1 

Frederick  Dalliker,  p.  t.  Pres. 
Conrad  Bucher,  p.  t.  Sec. 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  SYNODS  AND  CLASSIS, 
MAY  12,  1775. 

(Hague  92,  B.  121;  N.  B.,  No.  1165.) 

Very  Reverend,  Learned  and  Uonorcd  Sirs  and  Fathers  in  Christ: 

Your  Kevercnces  prove,  first  of  all,  your  continued  affection,  in  that 
you  have  not  entirely  disapproved  of  our  proceedings  concerning  the  re- 
ception of  the  five  candidates,  Dos.  Neveling,  Wack,  Wagner,  Steiner  and 
Weber,  into  the  holy  ministry.  Urgent  necessity  compelled  us  to  take 
this  step.  We  assure  you.  Reverend  and  Dear  Sirs,  that  your  will  and 
pleasure  in  this  respect  shall  be  carefully  complied  with  in  the  future. 
We  had  another  similar  application,  but  refused  it  out  of  due  regard  to 
your  ord^r. 

In  your  communication,  dated  December  20th,  1774,  you  mention  dona- 
tions from  the  Reverend  Synods.  Thus  far  we  have  not  received  them. 
We  rejoice,  with  due  appreciation  of  your  kindness,  that  you  are  willing 
to  assist  us,  and  we  are  earnestly  at  work  getting  our  intended  Widows ' 
Fund  into  operation.  You  recognize  our  inability  to  properly  carry  out 
this  undertaking.  We  hope  that  you  will  not  deny  us  your  further  aid 
and  support  in  this  laudable  v.ork. 

Last  fall  Do.  Gebhard  left  his  congregations,  Witpen,  and  Worcester 
on  the  Skippack,  having  received  a  call  to  New  York,  which  place  Do. 
Faering  had  left  to  take  charge  of  a  Dutch  congregation  in  New  Jersey. 
As  you  can  see  from  Article  VII,  the  newly-arrived  brother,  Do.  Ingold, 
has  been  appointed  to  serve  these  congregations. 

You  desire  information  regarding  the  congregations  which  have  been 
served  by  the  late  Do.  Du  Bois.  They  have  been  occupied  by  a  minister 
from  New  York,  who  can  preach  both  English  and  Dutch. 

We  live  in  precarious  times,  the  like  of  which,  so  far  as  we  know,  has 
never  been  seen  in  America.  The  Lord  knows  what  He  has  in  store  for 
us,  and  especially  for  our  beloved  Church.  May  our  hearts  truly  and 
sincerely  humble  themselves  before  the  Lord.  Perhaps  God,  angry  be- 
cause of  our  sins,  may  then  relent  and  leave  a  new  blessing  behind  Him, 
so  that  we  may  offer  meat-offerings  and  thank-offerings  to  the  Lord 
our  God! 

Dear  Sirs  and  Fathers,  do  not  forget  us  in  your  prayers  to  the  mer- 
ciful God,  that  He  may  not  entirely  avert  from  us  IFis  fatherly  face,  but 
always  recognize  us  mercifully  as  His  own.  The  Lord  and  His  Spirit 
be  with,  in,  and  among  you,  Reverend  Sirs  and  Fathers,  in  all  your  im- 
portant undertakings.  In  sincere  gratitude  and  due  respect,  we  not  only 
call  ourselves,  but  are  in  truth. 

Very  Reverend,  Learned  and  Honored  Sirs  and  Fathers  in  Christ, 
Your  most  obedient  and  devoted  servants, 

Frederick  Daluker,  p.  t.  Pres. 
Conrad  Bucher,  p.  t.  Sec. 

Lebanon,  May  le,  1775. 

(352) 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OP  1776. 
(N.  B.,  No.  1169;  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  49.) 

MINUTES  OF  THE   COETUS   OF   PENNSYLVANIA,   HELD   IN  LANCAS- 
TER, MAY  1st,  1776. 

Present. 
Name,  Place. 

C.  Gobrecht,  p.  t.  President,  Cocalico. 

Wm.  Hendel,  Tulpehocken. 

P.  Henop,  Frederick. 

A.  C.  Helffenstein,  Lancaster. 

C.  L.  Boehm,  Hanover. 

J.  Weymer,  Conococheague. 

C.  Faber,  Taney  town. 
W.  Otterbein,  Baltimore. 

D.  Wagner,  York. 

J.  H.  Helffricb,  Maxatawny. 

J.  "W.  Weber,  Plainfield. 

Absent. 

Do.  Weyberg,  Philadelphia,  from  fear  of  an  attack  by  the 
enemy. 

Do.  Leydich,  Pottstown,  on  account  of  infirmity  of  age. 

Do.  Faber,  Goshenhoppen,  on  account  of  ill  health. 

Do.  Bucher,  Lebanon,  for  the  same  reason. 

Do.  Blumer,  Allentown,  on  account  of  the  confinement  of 
his  wife. 

Pomp,       Falkner  Swamp.  Waldsehmidt. 

Wittner,    Upper  Milford.  Dalliker,    Valley. 

Neveling,  Amwell.  Ingold,       Easton. 

Wack,        Tohickon.  Steiner,      Lehigh. 

Coetus  was  opened  in  the  forenoon  with  a  sermon.  Be- 
cause Do.  Bucher  was  not  present,  who,  according  to  the 
usual  custom,*  was  to  preach,  Do.  Helffrich  was  appointed 
to  preach.  After  the  sermon,  Do.  Gobrecht  was  elected  Pres- 
ident and  Do.  Helffrich  Secretary. 

*  The  custom  referred  to  was,  that  the  secretary  of  one  year  became 
the  president  of  the  next,  and  preached  the  opening  sermon. 

(353) 
23 


354  COETUS  OF  PEXNSYLVANIA.  •      ' 

SESSION  I.  2  P.  M. 
Article  I. 
From  the  reports  of  the  brethren,  both  in  regard  to  the  dis- 
charge of  their  official  duties  and  their  results,  it  appears  that 
tbey  diligently  discharge  the  duties  of  their  office  in  teaching 
and  catechizing.  This  was  also  confirmed  by  the  elders  pres- 
ent. However,  they  generally  complain  that  their  labors, 
although  they  are  not  altogether  ^^'ithout  success,  yet  are  not 
as  successful  as  desired. 

Article  11. 
Do.  Helffenstein  having  left  Germantown  and  accepted  the 
call  to  Lancaster  (for  the  acceptance  of  this  call  permission 
w^as  given,  see  Minutes  of  the  preceding  year,  Art.  II),  the 
congregation  in  Germantown  asked  for  Mr.  Stahlschmidt  or 
for  Mr.  Neveling. 

(1)  But  because  the  Coetus  could  not  well  give  its  consent 
to  the  call  for  Mr.  Stalilschmidt,  and  because  Mr.  Stahl- 
schmidt (who  already  at  the  Coetus  in  Reading,  1771,  an- 
nounced his  intention  to  devote  himself  to  the  service  of  the 
Church,  and  has  been  instructed  during  this  time  partly  by 
Do.  Weyberg  and  partly  by  Do.  Hendel),  in  consideration  of 
his  abilities,  did  not  consider  himself  capable  of  serving  this 
large  congregation,  it  was  resolved  to  refrain  from  writing 
out  a  call  to  him. 

(2)  Coetus  could  not  come  to  any  decision  with  regard  to 
the  call  to  Do.  Neveling,  because  of  his  absence.  The  con- 
gregation in  Germantown  was  therefore  advised  to  extend  a 
call  to  a  minister  of  the  Coetus,  who  shall  have  liberty  to 
accept  the  same  without  waiting  for  the  next  Coetus. 

Article  III. 
Since  there  are  several  congregations  near  York  which  are 
too  distant  to  be  served  by  Do.  Wagner,  it  was  deemed  ex- 
pedient to  send  IMr.  Stahlschmidt,  a  man  of  thirty-five  years 
of  age,  to  the  congregations  as  catechist. 

Article  IV. 
Several  congregations  at  Shamokin  asked  to  be  alternately 
visited  by  ministers. 


EECOEDS  OF  1776.  355 

Resolved:  Ministers  shall  visit  them  several  times  in  the 
year  to  preach  for  them  and  to  perform  other  ministerial  acts. 

Article  V. 

The  congregations  which  were  formerly  served  by  Do. 
Steiner,  namely,  the  Dunkel's  Church,  Rosenthal,  Jacob's  and 
Organ  Church,  asked  for  Do.  Wittner  or  Do.  Weber,  or  an- 
other minister  of  the  Coetus. 

Resolved:  Because  the  congregations  which  Do.  Weber 
serves  are  at  too  great  a  distance  from  the  other  ministers, 
and  said  congregations  can  better  be  served  by  the  neighbor- 
ing ministers,  therefore  it  is  resolved  that  Do.  Weber  shall 
remain  so  long  with  his  congregations  as  they  give  him  the 
necessary  support,  and  the  other  congregations  which  Do. 
Steiner  left  shall  be  served  alternately  by  the  neighboring 
ministers. 

Article  VI. 
Because  at  this  Coetus  the  number  of  the  ministers  present 
was  so  small,  it  was  resolved  that  in  future  no  minister  shall 
neglect  the  Coetus  unless  for  very  important  reasons;  other- 
\\dse  he  shall  be  severely  censured. 

Article  VII. 

Since  thus  far  many  ministers,  living  at  a  great  distance 
from  the  place  where  the  Coetus  was  held,  were  compelled  to 
be  absent  from  their  congregations  two  Sundays,  it  was  re- 
solved that  the  next  Coetus  shall  not  be  held  on  Wednesday, 
but  on  Monday,  and  that  on  the  preceding  Saturday  all  min- 
isters, with  their  elders,  shall  come  to  the  place  where  the 
Coetus  is  held,  and  divine  service  shall  be  conducted  by  the 
ministers  from  a  distance,  and  on  Monday  the  Coetus  shall  be 
opened  with  a  sermon,  as  usual. 

Article  VIII. 

It  was  resolved  that  the  next  Coetus  shall  be  held  on  the 
second  Monday  before  Ascension  Day,  and,  for  want  of  an- 
other agreeable  and  suitable  place,  on  account  of  the  present 
war  troubles,  in  Reading. 

Statistics  of  the  congregations: 


356  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Fam.    Bapt.    Conf.  Schools.  Fupils. 
Gobreclit,  in  Cocalico,  Muddy  Creek, 

Seltenreich,  and  Keyer  's  Church . .     89         46         19  3  65 

Hendel,    in    Tulpehocken,    Swatara, 

Muhlbach,  and  Heidelberg 170         40         41  5  127 

Henop,  in  Frederick,  Mountains  and 

Glade 231         SO         73*  4  160 

Ilelffenstein  has   only  been  a  short 

time  in  Lancaster. 
Boehm,    in    Hanover,    Abbottstown, 

Creutz  [Christ's],  Lischy's  Church, 

Bermudian,  brought  in  no  report. 
Weymer,    in   the   three   united   con- 
gregations in  Conococheague 100**     55         28  2  38 

Faber,      in      Taneytown,      Codorus, 

Jerusalem,    Zion's,    David's    and 

Bleymeyer  's    Church 232         59         52 

Otterbein,     in    Baltimore,     had     no 

repoi-t. 

Wagner,  in  York 56         20         . .  1  30 

Weber,     in     Plainfield,     Greenwich, 

Hanolden,   Hamilton,   and   Mount 

Bethel   120         50         15  ..  60 

Helffrich,      in      Maxatawny,      Long 

Swamp,  Heidelberg,  and  Lowhill.   150         SO         28  4  115 

The  following  gentlemen  sent  in  their  statistics : 

Fam.  Bapt.  Conf.  Scliools.  Pupils. 

Weyberg,  in  Philadelphia 300  111         31*** 

Faber,  in  Old  and  New  Goshenhop- 

pen,  and  Great  Swamp 250         51         34 

Blumer,  in  Northampton,  Allentown, 

Jordan,  Schlosser's,  and  Egypt...   147         64         32  3  83 

*  Harbaugh  copy,  35.     **  Harbaugh  copy,  108.     ***  Harbaugh  copy,  51. 

May  the  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep,  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  protect,  preserve  and  multiply  His  congregations, 
which  He  has  bought  with  His  blood  and  gathered  by  His 
Spirit  and  Word!  May  He  endow  His  servants  and  work- 
men with  the  grace  and  power  of  His  Spirit  more  and  more, 
so  that  they  may  truly  feed  with  doctrine  and  wisdom  the 
flock  entrusted  to  their  care!  May  He  give  His  blessing  to 
their  work,  that  it  may  be  to  His  honor,  and  the  spread  of 
His  kingdom,  and  the  salvation  of  many  souls! 

In  the  name  of  the  Reverend  Coetus,  subscribed  by 

J.  Christopher  Gobrecht,  p.  t.  Pres. 
John  Henry  Helffrich,  p.  t.  Sec. 


COETAL  LETTER  SENT  TO  CLASSIS,  MAY  2,  1776. 
(N.  B.,  No.  1170.) 

Very  JReverend,  Very  Learned,  Highly  Esteemed  Fathers  in  Christ: 

In  pursuance  of  our  duty,  we  send  the  accompanying  Minutes  of 
Coetus  held  in  Lancaster,  May  1st,  1776,  to  the  Eeverend  Fathers.  On 
account  of  the  small  number  of  the  ministers  present,  it  is  but  a  brief 
report  of  the  state  of  the  Eeformed  churches  in  Pennsylvania.  We 
hope  the  same  will  be  accepted  by  the  Eeverend  Fathers  as  satisfactory. 

Do.  Ingold,  after  the  lapse  of  a  year,  left  the  congregations  at 
Worcester  and  Witpen,  which  he  had  accepted  without  the  previous 
knowledge  of  Coetus.*  He  left  on  account  of  differences  which  arose 
between  him  and  the  congregation  (in  regard  to  the  salary  which  the 
congregation  would  not  pay  him,  according  to  promise),  and  is  supposed 
to  be  settled  at  present  in  Easton. 

It  was  the  purpose  of  the  Coetus  to  let  these  congregations,  namely, 
Worcester  and  Witpen,  remain  for  some  time  without  a  minister,  since 
they  conducted  themselves  so  badly  towards  their  first  pastor,  Do.  Geb- 
hard,  that  he  found  himself  compelled  to  leave  them  and  to  accept  an- 
other call.  At  present  these  congregations  have  taken  as  their  pastor  a 
bad  person,"'^*  who,  at  the  Coetus  in  Philadelphia,  requested  permission  to 
preach,  but  was  refused,  and  who,  nevertheless,  here  and  there,  recited 
a  sermon  learned  by  heart  to  bad  congregations.  We  cannot  prevent 
such  occurrences,  as  we  can  get  no  assistance  from  the  secular  authorities. 

Do.  Otterbein  is  still  in  Baltimore.  The  contents  of  the  5th  Article 
of  the  Minutes  of  Coetus  held  in  Lebanon,  1775,  were  not  approved  by 
all,  but  only  by  some,  of  the  ministers. 

Meanwhile,  since  Mr.  Wallauer  is  said  to  have  left  Baltimore,  we  trust 
that  the  dissensions  will  somewhat  abate. 

The  Coetus  has  received  twenty-eight  pounds,  Pennsylvania  currency, 
whereof  ten  pounds  have  been  given  to  the  widows,  and,  since  no  school- 
masters made  application,  the  remaining  eighteen  pounds  were  put  in 
the  widows '  fund. 

We  express  our  sincerest  gratitude  to  the  Eeverend  Fathers  for  the 
donations  which  we  received.  Since  very  few  of  the  ministers  receive 
their  full  salary  of  450  guilders  from  their  congregations,  and  we  need 
our  salary  for  our  own  support  and  that  of  our  families,  especially  in 
the  present  sad  and  troublous  times,  it  is  not  the  surplus  of  our  salaries 
which  we  devote  to  our  widows'  fund,  but  that  which  we  take  from  our 
necessary  support. 

*  See,  however.  Minutes  of  1775,  Art.  Yll,  and  Coetal  letter  of  1775, 
p.  352. 

**  The  church  records  show  that  this  man  was  John  H.  Weikel. 

(357) 


358  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  good  God  is  indeed  the  Judge  of  the  widows  and  the  Father  of  the 
orphans,  yet  it  is  our  duty  to  care  for  our  families  according  to  our 
ability,  for  when  a  minister  dies  and  leaves  a  family,  its  members  must 
necessarily  live  in  the  greatest  poverty,  when,  forsaken  by  the  congrega- 
tion and  without  any  means  of  their  own,  they  lack  a  proper  support. 

This  has  brought  us  to  the  resolution  to  establish  a  widows'  fund,  in 
order  thereby  to  afford  some  relief  to  the  families  we  may  leave  in 
destitution. 

We  have  begun  this  fund  not  relying  on  our  own  strength,  but  de- 
pending upon  the  providence  of  God,  who  shall  awaken  compassionate 
hearts,  willing  to  come  to  our  aid  with  their  means. 

If  the  Reverend  Fathers  knew  our  circumstances  accurately,  they  surely 
would  not  reduce  their  donations,  much  less  withhold  them,  but  rather 
increase  them,  as  they  can  bestow  the  same  nowhere  else  better  and  with 
more  blessing. 

We  commend  ourselves,  and  all  the  Pennsylvania  churches,  to  your 
further  protection  and  paternal  affection,  and  remain,  with  dutiful 
submission. 

Very  Eeverend,  Very  Learned,  and  Highly  Esteemed  Fathers  in 
Christ,  your  most  obedient  servants. 

Subscribed  in  the  name  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  by 

John  Christ.  Gobrecht,  p.  t.  Pres. 
John  Hexry  Helffrich,  p.  t.  Sec. 

Lancaster,  May  2d,  1776. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA, 
HELD  IN  READING,  APRIL  28-29,  1777. 

(Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  52.) 
There  were  present,  Dos. : 

John    Henry    Helffrieh,  )        ^      •     T,,r       ^ 

.  V  pastor  m  Maxatawny. 


p.  t.  President, 
PhiHp  Leydich, 
William  Hendel, 
Conrad  Bucher, 
Nicholas  Pomp, 
John  Theobald  Faber, 
Christopher  Gobrecht, 
John  William  AYeber, 
Daniel  Y'agner, 
C.  Wack, 
Conrad  Steiner, 
Samuel  Dubendorff, 
John  George  Wittner, 

p.  t.  Secretary, 
The  absentees  were,  Dos 
Weyberg, 
Otterbein, 
Henop, 
Blumer, 
Boehm, 
Waldschmidt. 
Christ.  Faber, 
Dallicker, 
Ingold, 
Helffenstein, 
Weymer, 
Neveling, 
The    above-named 


Pottstown. 

Tulpehocken. 

Lebanon. 

Falkner  Swamp. 

Goshenhoppen. 

Coealico. 

Plainfield. 

York. 

Tohickon. 

Lehigh. 

Germantown. 

Upper  Milford. 


Philadelphia. 

Baltimore. 

Frederick. 

Northampton. 

Hanover. 


Taneytown. 
Valley  [N.  J.], 
Easton. 
Lancaster. 
Conococheague. 
Amvv^ell. 
ministers,    with    their    elders,    having 


arrived  in  Reading,  Mr.  Helffrich  preached  in  the  morning 
from  Acts  ii.  3,  4.     After  the  service,  they  proceeded  to  elect 

(359) 


360  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

a  president  and  a  secretary.     Mr.  Helffrich  was  made  Presi- 
dent and  J.  Wittner,  Secretary. 

SESSION  I.  2  P.  M.,  APRIL  28th. 
Article  I. 
After  the  usual  questions  concerning  the  true  condition 
of  the  congregations  and  the  service  which  the  ministers  per- 
form in  them,  it  appeared,  from  the  reports  of  the  ministers 
and  elders,  that  the  ministers  preach  the  divine  Word  with 
much  diligence  and  care;  that  they  administer  the  Sacra- 
ments, hold  catechetical  instruction,  and  visit  the  families, 
but  not  always  and  in  every  instance  with  the  desired  result — 
that  men  may  be  brought  to  true  knowledge  and  improvement 
of  life;  although  the  Lord  here  and  there  gives  to  His  Word 
power  and  blessing,  so  that  thereby  the  divine  glory  and  the 
happiness  of  many  men  are  promoted. 

Article  II. 

The  request  of  the  congregation  in  Germantown  to  give 
them  Mr.  Dubendorff  as  minister  was  granted.  But  as  no 
formal  call  had  been  drawn  up,  the  congregation  was  directed 
to  send  the  call,  in  the  near  future,  to  the  President  for  con- 
firmation. 

Article  III. 

The  congregation  in  Easton,  which  Mr.  Ingold  serves  at 
present,  complains  that  the  congregations  which  were  for- 
merly connected  with  Easton  had  withdra\vn  several  years 
ago,  and  accepted  Mr.  Weber  as  their  minister;  but  Easton 
alone  cannot  support  a  minister,  and  therefore  asks  for  a  re- 
union of  the  divided  charge. 

Resolution :  Since  the  Coetus,  in  the  absence  of  most  of  the 
elders  of  said  congregation,  cannot  decide  anything  in  this 
case,  it  was  resolved  that  a  commission,  consisting  of  several 
ministers,  shall  go  to  Easton  on  the  4th  of  Jnno  and  consult 
wiih  the  elders  and  members  of  all  the  congregations,  and 
consider  ways  and  means  how  the  people  of  Easton  may  be 
helped. 

Article  IV. 

The   congregations,   Dunkel's   Church,   Rosenthal,   Jacob's 


BECOBDS  OF  1777.  361 

Cliiircli  and  Organ  Church,  request  that  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Hertzel  may  be  examined  and  ordained,  so  that  he  may 
become  their  minister. 

The  Coetus  resolved :  Since  is  was  learned  that  said  Hertzel 
is  induced  only  by  temporal  considerations  to  desire  such  an 
important  office,  neither  his  desire  nor  that  of  the  congrega- 
tions can  be  granted;  therefore,  the  congregations  are  re- 
quested to  avoid  Hertzel,  and  to  have  patience  until  we  can 
supply  them  with  a  regular  minister,  especially  since  they 
have  thus  far  been  served  by  the  neighboring  ministers,  and 
shall  also  be  served  by  them  in  the  future. 

Article  V. 

The  congregations  in  Shippensburg,  Carlisle,  Lower  Settle- 
ment and  Hummelstow^n  request  us  to  examine  and  ordain  a 
man  by  the  name  of  Eunckel,  so  that  he  may  be  their  minister. 

Resolution:  Since  Runckel  has,  for  some  years,  already 
been  instructed  by  several  ministers,  and  has  shown  his  dili- 
gence in  the  holy  office  of  the  ministry,  and  also  has  good 
testimonials  from  ministers  and  congregations,  and  since 
these  congregations  are  very  far  from  us,  so  that  they  can 
seldom  be  visited,  therefore  it  was  resolved  that  said  Runckel 
be  examined,  and,  if  found  capable,  be  sent  to  the  congrega- 
tions as  catechist.  (This  examination  took  place  to  the  satis- 
faction of  Coetus.)  For  the  present  the  Sacraments  shall 
be  administered  by  other  and  regular  ministers  until  Mr. 
Runckel,  if  he  passes  a  peremptory  and  rigorous  examination 
at  the  next  Coetus,  and  if  the  approval  of  the  Reverend 
Fathers  can  be  obtained,  may  receive  ordination,  and  serve 
said  congregations  as  regular  pastor. 

SESSION  n.     A.  M.,  APRIL  29th. 

Article  VI. 

Mr.  Stahlschmidt  (see  Art.  II  and  III  of  last  year's  Min- 
utes) asked  for  a  peremptory  examination. 

Resolution:  Since  ]\Ir.  "Wagner  alone  cannot  attend  to  the 
regular  di^^ine  services,  nor  to  the  many  other  ministerial 
duties,  because  the  congregations  in  the  neighborhood  of 
York  are  widely  scattered,  it  was  resolved  to  proceed  with  the 


362  COETUS  OF  PENXSYLVAXIA. 

examination,  in  the  presence  of  the  ministers  and  elders.  Mr. 
Stahlschmidt  satisfied  all  examiners  and  auditors.  He  was 
given  a  text,  1  Cor.  iii.  9,  from  which  to  preach  a  trial  sermon, 
and  was  promised  ordination,  through  ]\Ir.  Ilelffenstein  and 
Mr.  AVagner,  after  his  trial  sermon  had  been  preached  and 
accepted. 

Article  VII. 

As  several  ministers,  partly  w^th  no  excuse,  partly  with  no 
sufficient  excuse,  again  neglected  the  Coetus  and  did  not 
appear,  it  was  resolved,  that  if  in  the  future  any  one  shall 
fail  to  attend,  except  in  cases  of  the  greatest  necessity,  he 
shall  be  severely  reprimanded,  and  a  fine  in  money  be  im- 
posed, w^hich  money  shall  be  put  into  the  Widows'  Fund. 

Article  VIII. 

Alas !  on  account  of  the  sad  war,  many  a  praiseworthy  ob- 
servance is  omitted,  especially  in  regard  to  the  keeping  of  the 
Sabbath  Day  and  Christian  exercises  in  the  families  at  home. 
People  at  present  think  more  of  arms  than  of  God's  Word. 
It  was,  therefore,  resolved  that  every  minister  shall  take  good 
care  in  his  congregation  to  observe  and  to  preserve  everything 
which  agrees  \vith  the  duties  of  a  Christian. 

Article  IX. 

It  was  resolved  that,  God  A\illing,  our  next  Coetal  meeting 
shall  be  held  on  the  third  Sunday  before  Pentecost  of  the 
next  year  in  Lancaster,  if  existing  conditions  of  the  war 
permit  it. 

Statistics  of  those  congregations  whose  ministers  and  elders 
were  present: 


EECOBDS  OF  1777. 


363 


Ministers. 


John  Henry  Helflrich 


Philip  Leydich 


William  Hendel 


Conrad  Bucher 


Nicholas  Pomp 


John  Theobald  Faber 


Christ.  Gobrecht 


John  W^  Weber 


C.  Wack 


Conrad  Steiner 
Daniel  Wagner 


John  George  Wittner 
Samuel  Dubendorff,  Ger 


•  ^ 


Congregations. 


Maxatawny 

Long  Swamp  .    .        .    . 

Heidelberg 

Lowhill 

Pottstown 

Coventry 

New  Providence   .    .    . 
Tulpehocken  ..... 

Swatara  

Muehlbach 

Heidelberg 

Lebanon  

Quittopehilla 

Warwick 

Manheim 

Kapho ........ 

Donegal 

Falkner  Swamp  .... 

Vincent       

Old  Goshenhoppen  .    . 
New  Goshenhoppen  .  . 

Great  Swamp 

Cocalico 

Muddy  Creek 

Seltenreich 

Kever's       

Plainfield 

Greenwich      ..... 

Tohickon 

Indian  Creek 

Nockamixon 

Lehigh 

Allen  Township.    .    .    . 
Moore  Township   .    .    . 

York 

Upper  Milford ] 

Salzburg > 

Kestenberg J 

mantown.      (He  has  not  handed 


in  any  statistics,  because  he  has  just  arrived. 


1 
1 

147 

82 

151 

33 

177 

76 

161 

112 

75 

32 

40 

15 

244 

65 

92 

46 

143 

40 

110 

55 

75 

47 

57 

20 

60 

30 

33 


38 


36 


20 


95 


110 


56 


29 


22     34 


40 


The  following  sent  in  their  statistics: 


Do.  Weyberg 


Do.  Blumer 


Philadelphia 

Northampton "1 

Jordan     ! 

Schlosser's .' 

Egypt J 


300 

124 

41 

145 

60 

18 

1 

100 
90 


364  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

]May  the  great  God,  who  sent  His  holy  Word  into  this  paxt 
of  the  world,  cause  it  to  be  spread  abroad,  through  the  power 
of  His  Spirit,  to  keep  all  teachers  and  listeners  unblameable 
in  His  grace  till  the  coming  of  Jesus  Christ. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1777.  '    "    ' 

(Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  51.) 

April  29th,  1777. 
Most  Worthy,  Most  Learned,  and  Most  Bonored  Gentlemen  and  Fathers 

in  Jesus  Christ: 

Notwithstanding  the  sad  and  hurtful  war  (may  the  Almighty  soon  end 
it,  for  the  happiness  and  the  welfare  of  America  and  His  whole  Church), 
which  has  already  caused  much  distress  in  this  country,  and,  alas,  still 
continues,  God,  by  His  wonderful  kindness,  has  preserved  us  thus  far, 
so  that  we  all,  except  a  few  in  New  "York  and  New  Jersey,  were  per- 
mitted to  administer  our  office  and  to  supply  our  congregations  with 
services  in  proclaiming  the  divine  Word  and  administering  the  Holy 
Sacraments. 

For  this  reason,  we  held  our  Coetal  meeting  on  the  2Sth  and  29th  of 
April,  of  this  year,  in  the  town  of  Eeading,  and  have  the  honor  to  send 
the  Eeverend  Fathers,  in  the  accompanying  articles  and  items,  the  Min- 
utes of  this  Coetus  and  the  matters  transacted,  of  which  we  hope  that 
the  Eeverend  Fathers  will  not  disapprove.  Our  Eeverend  and  Highly 
Honored  Fathers  will  also  please  notice,  from  the  Minutes,  how  many  of 
the  brethren  neglected  the  necessary  attendance  upon  our  Coetus,  and 
that  therefore  we  have  adopted  the  resolution  under  Art.  VII.  How- 
ever, we  must  mention  that  some,  on  account  of  the  war,  and  others,  on 
account  of  much  sickness  in  their  congregations,  excused  themselves  in 
writing;  but  we  have  no  report,  or  reacon,  from  the  majority  why  they 
did  not  come.  We  also  could  not  refrain  from  reporting  the  blessed 
and  flourishing  condition  of  the  congregation  in  Eeading.  It  is  known 
that  Eeading  in  former  years  had  fallen  into  a  distracted  and  bad  con- 
dition. But  ^Ir.  Boos,  by  the  assistance  of  the  Most  High,  and  by  ex- 
traordinary zeal  and  diligence  in  all  parts  of  his  laudable  ministry  in 
the  congregation,  has  brought  it  into  such  order  that  it  is  second  to  none 
of  the  congregations  of  America.  Mr.  Boos  is  at  present  a  learned  and 
brave  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  leads  a  blameless  life.  He  is  not  only 
beloved  by  the  whole  population  of  the  considerable  town  of  Eeading, 
but  all  the  members  of  the  Eeverend  Coetus  also  honor  hira  with  special 
respect  and  friendship.  Therefore,  we  all  beg  of  our  Most  Eeverend 
Fathers  kindly  to  accept  Mr.  Boos,  especially  since  it  would  be  detri- 


BECOEDS  OF  1777.  365 

mental  to  our  Church  in  this  country  still  longer  to  reject  such  a  worthy 
and  sincere  servant  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  are  very  grateful  for  the  200  fl.  received  from  Do.  Weyberg,  upon 
the  order  of  the  Eeverend  Fathers.  The  money  shall  be  used  for  the  best 
interests  of  the  Church,  so  that  vre  may  be  assured  of  the  further  care 
and  kindness  of  the  Eeverend  Fathers.  Moreover,  we  pray  to  Almighty 
God  for  all  spiritual  and  physical  blessing,  and  for  the  unchanged  and 
continuous  welfare  of  the  families  of  the  Eeverend  Fathers  and  the 
whole  Church  of  Holland,  which,  by  divine  providence,  has  for  a  long 
time  already  been  a  nurse  and  preserver  of  so  many  poor  ministers  and 
congregations  in  this  country,  and  particularly  in  Europe.  May  the 
Almighty  be  her  protection  and  her  very  great  reward!  May  He,  by 
His  grace,  preserve  her  in  wholesome  doctrine  and  holy  walk!  May  He 
bless  and  increase  her  faith,  and  may  He  grant  that  her  active  Christian 
love  m.ay  be  a  model  and  an  example  to  all  believers  on  earth!  May 
the  Lord  also  presei've  us,  by  His  faithful  grace  and  most  holy  protec- 
tion, especially  in  these  dangerous  times  of  war!  May  He  make  our 
Fathers  and  brethren  in  Europe  mediators  and  conciliators  between  the 
kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  America,  so  that  the  desired  sun  of  peace 
may  soon  shine  for  the  welfare  of  His  whole  Church! 

We  remain,  with  due  reverence.  Most  Eeverend,  Most  Learned,  and 
Most  Esteemed  Gentlemen  and  Fathers  in  Christ,  yours  obediently, 

J.  George  Wittxer,  Sec.  p.  t. 
Given  in  Upper  Milford,  Xorthampton  County,  May  6,  1777. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1779. 
(Hague  92,  B.  124;  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  55.) 

MINUTES  OF   THE   COETUS   OF   PENNSYLVxVNIA,   HELD   IN   LANCAS- 
TER, APRIL  28Tn  AND  29th,  1779. 

Present.  Absent. 

W.  Hendel,  President,  Dos.  AVeyberg, 

A.  Helffenstein,  Secretary,  Neveling, 

F.  Henop,  Dallicker, 

N.  Pomp,  Leydich, 

J.  H.  Helffrich,  Wittner, 

J.  Th.  Faber,  Bucher, 

A.  Blumer,  Waldschmidt, 

C.  L.  Boehm,  -  Otterbein, 

J.  W.  In  gold,  ^  Wejnner. 

C.  Gobrecht, 

D.  "Wagner, 
C.  Wack, 

John  Conrad  Steiner.* 

In  the  preceding  year,  1778,  the  meeting  of  the  ministers 
and  elders  was  appointed  to  be  held  in  Lancaster.  But  be- 
cause at  that  time  the  tumults  of  war  were  very  great  in  that 
section,  and  therefore  only  a  few  were  present,  nothing  im- 
portant was  transacted,  except  only  this:  AVilliam  Runckel, 
a  former  schoolmaster  in  Tulpehocken,  a  man  of  goad  gifts 
and  of  a  Christian  life,  applied  to  the  Coetus  held  in  Reading, 
1777,  for  admission  to  the  ministerial  office,  having  for  several 
years  previously  prepared  for  it.  He  was  carefully  exam- 
ined and  found  qualified.  Permission  was  given  him  to 
preach,  and  he  was  also  promised  that,  if  he  should  diligently 
study  in  the  future  and  otherwise  conduct  himself  as  becomes 
a  faithful  minister,  perhaps  ordination  would  be  conferred 
upon  him.  Now,  Mr.  Runckel,  supplied  with  the  best  testi- 
monials,  again  asked   for  ordination,   and  his  congregation 

*  The  Harbaugh  copy  adds :  Christian  Stahlschmidt  and  John  Wil- 
liam Weber. 

(366) 


BECOFtDS  OF  1779.  267 

also,  through  their  delegates,  very  urgently  petitioned  for  it. 
He  was,  therefore,  again  examined,  chiefly  in  pastoral  the- 
ology. Whereupon  Mr,  Hendel  and  Mr.  WagTier  were  com- 
missioned to  ordain  him. 

A.  D.  1779. 

On  April  the  28th  the  ministers,  named  above,  met  in  Lan- 
caster, most  of  them  with  their  elders ;  the  others,  on  account 
of  the  extreme  hard  times,  without  their  elders.  Mr.  Witt- 
ner,  who  two  years  ago  was  Secretary,  did  not  appear  in  the 
meeting.  Mr.  Hendel,  as  one  of  the  oldest  of  the  brethren 
present,  was  elected  President,  and  Albert  Helffenstein,  Sec- 
retary. Before  the  opening  of  the  meeting,  Mr.  Henop 
preached  an  edifying  sermon  on  Matt.  xi.  30,  After  earnest 
prayer,  the  following  business  was  transacted,  beginning  at 
2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon: 

Article  I. 

The  question  was  put  by  the  President  to  all  the  ministers 
concerning  the  internal  and  external  condition  of  their  con- 
gregations. All  replied  that,  although  the  external  condition 
of  their  congregations  was  much  confused  by  the  existing 
disturbances,  yet  it  was  still  endurable.  But  the  internal 
condition  of  the  congregations  is,  unfortunately,  very  bad. 
However,  there  are,  thanks  to  God 's  gracious  love,  many  souls 
every^vhere  that  sincerely  seek  God  and  heartily  love  Him. 

Article  II. 

Resolved,  that  the  ordination  conferred  by  a  few  ministers 
upon  Mr.  Runckel  be  approved  by  the  whole  Coetus. 

Article  III. 

The  congregations,  Manheim,  Rapho,  White  Oaks  and  May- 
town,  presented  a  call  for  Mr.  Runckel  as  their  regular  teacher 
and  minister.  The  call  was  confirmed  by  the  whole  Coetus, 
with  the  provision,  however,  that  Mr,  Runckel  serve  the  con- 
gregation in  Carlisle  every  four  weeks  together  with  the  con- 
gregations mentioned  above,  and  shall  not  cease  serving  Car- 
lisle until  permitted  by  Coetus  to  do  so. 


368  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Article  IV, 

Mr.  T^v^food,  a  candidate  of  the  High  Church  [Episcopal] 
of  England,  who  for  some  years  has  supplied  several  congre- 
gations of  that  Church  with  preaching,  applied  for  ordination. 

Resolved :  After  mature  consideration  of  the  request  and  all 
the  circumstances,  that  ordination  cannot  be  granted  to  him 
for  the  present,  for  the  following  reasons: 

a.  Because  thereby  the  order  of  our  Church  would  be  over- 
thrown, for  such  a  request  must  come  from  the  congregation, 
through  its  delegates. 

h.  On  account  of  the  conditions  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
the  congregations  must  declare  that  they  recognize  a  minister 
ordained  by  us  as  their  lawful  minister. 

If  at  a  future  Coetus  the  request  should  be  presented  in 
this  form,  and  Mr.  Twifood  should  be  supplied  with  good  tes- 
timonials and  subject  himself  to  all  the  regulations  of  the 
Christian  Church  as  they  are  in  use  among  us,  then,  because 
of  the  love  we  bear  the  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  he 
shall  not  be  refused  ordination. 

Article  V. 

The  congregation  in  Donegal  applies,  in  writing,  presented 
by  a  delegate,  for  a  minister,  since  Mr.  Bucher,  on  account  of 
sickness,  can  no  longer  serve  them. 

Resolved:  The  congregation  must  either  unite  with  Man- 
heim,  Rapho,  "White  Oaks  and  Maytown  in  their  call  for  Mr. 
Runckel,  or  accept  him  as  their  minister  without  such  call. 

Article  VI. 

The  two  congregations  in  Worcester  and  Witpen  send  in  a 
memorial  in  which  they  ask  to  be  supplied  with  a  minister. 

Resolved :  Because  the  two  congregations  in  Worcester  and 
Witpen  behaved  in  an  unchristian  manner  for  several  years, 
and  especially  because  they  accepted  as  their  minister  a  bad 
man,  an  adventurer,  who  was  neither  called  by  God  nor  by 
His  Church,  therefore  it  is  first  of  all  demanded  of  them  that 
they  acknowledge,  before  the  Reverend  Coetus,  in  writing,  their 
unchristian  conduct,  ask  for  forgiveness,  and  promise  hence- 
forth duly  to  subject  themselves  to  all  Christian  regulations 


1:E COEDS  OF  1779.  369 

of  the  Reverend  Coetus.  Afterwards  they  may  extend  a  call 
to  a  minister  of  the  Coetus. 

Article  YII. 

On  account  of  vices  and  other  irregularities  frequently  in- 
vading the  congregations,  the  question  was  asked  how  to  deal 
with,  and  what  to  do  to  resist  and  check  them  as  much  as 
possible. 

E'esolution :  First  of  all  we  acknowledge,  in  deep  humility 
and  self-abasement,  our  utter  inability,  and  confess  that, 
without  the  grace  of  God,  we  cannot  accomplish  even  the 
least.  However,  in  reliance  upon  divine  help,  we  resolve  the 
following : 

a.  An  earnest  and  hearty  admonition  shall  be  drawn  up 
and  printed,  addressing  all  men  in  general,  and  the  members 
of  our  congregations  in  particular. 

.  Z).  "We  pledge  ourselves,  in  the  presence  of  the  Chief  Shep- 
herd and  Bishop  of  souls,  with  sincere  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion, to  use,  more  than  ever  before,  all  earnestness  and  zeal, 
both  in  public  sermons  and  in  pastoral  visitation,  and  to  be- 
come instruments  by  which  the  kingdom  of  Christ  may  be 
built  up  and  the  dark  kingdom  of  Satan  may  be  destroyed. 

William  Hendel,  Nicholas  Pomp  and  Albert  Helffenstein 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  the  admonition,  which 
is  to  be  printed. 

Article  VIIL 

The  question  was  asked  where  the  Coetus  shall  be  held  next 
year. 

Resolved:  Because  this  cannot  be  stated  with  certainty  at 
present,  on  account  of  the  existing  troubles,  it  shall  be  left 
to  the  judgment  of  the  brethren  whose  names  are  mentioned 
first,  to  call  a  meeting  when  and  where  they  think  best. 

J.  W.  Hendel,  Pres.  p.  t. 
At, BERT  Helffenstein,  Sec.  p.  t. 
24 


370 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Statistics  of  1779  of  those  congregations  whose  ministers 
were  present: 


Ministers. 


Hendel  .  .    . 

Helffenstein 
Henop  .    .    . 

Pomp    .   .    . 
Helffrich  .    . 


Faber 


Blumer 


Boehm  . 
Ingold  . 
Gobrecht 

Wagner 
Wack    . 


Stahlschmidt  .    .    . 


Congregations. 


Tulpehocken "1 

Muhlbach I 

Heydelberg [ 

Bethel J 

Lancaster 

Frederick ) 

Glade V 

At  the  Mountains  .      •    •  J 

Falkner  Swamp \ 

Vincent J 

Heidelberg 1 

Lowhill '    •    I 

Maxatawny j 

Longswamp J 

New  Goshenhojipen  ...   1 
Old  Goshenhoppen  .    .    .    >- 

Great  Swamp J 

Northampton ^ 

Jordan    I 

Egypt I 

Schlossei-'s J 

Kreutz  Church ^ 

Abbotstown i 

Bermudian ( 

David' s  church,  Hanover.  J 

Easton 

Muddy  Creek "] 

Cocalico I 

Seltenreich [ 

Reyer's J 

York ] 

Kreutz  church > 

Schlosser's j 

Tohickon 1 

Indian  Creek / 

Quicker  s \ 

Freyen    

Bleymayer's  . 
Schierster's 


1 

1 
1 

1 

6 

^ 

1 

178 

69 

58 

5 

246 

87 

36 

2 

219 

89 

23  2 

106 

75 

40  2 

i 

145 

138 

60 

4 

270 

69 

1 
48 

143 

59 

48'  '4 

1 

159 

111 

85  4 

1 

30 

13 

1 

6;  1 

74 

48 

25  2 

109 

40 

27  3 

90 

33 

40  1 

104 

56 

28 

3 

1 

135 

137 
105 


120 


147 

148 
35 
35 

105 
15 

61 


Steiner's  statistics  are  wanting. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1779. 

(Hague  92,  B.  125.) 

Very  Eeverend,  Learned,  and  Honored  Sirs  and  Fathers  in  Christ: 

Prom  the  accompanying  Minutes  your  Eeverences  will  gain  a  suffi- 
cient idea  of  the  present  state  of  the  congregations  belonging  to  the 
Pennsylvania  Coetus.  We  wish,  with  all  our  hearts,  that  we  could  give 
better  news.  But  the  times  were,  and  still  are,  such  as  to  compel  us 
humbly  to  recognize  it  as  a  special  favor  of  the  Lord  that  we  have  not 
been  utterly  consumed.  From  this  your  Eeverences,  with  the  wisdom 
peculiar  to  you,  will  easily  comprehend  the  difficulties  which  confront  us 
at  the  present  time,  both  in  our  vocation  and  in  our  endeavor  to  earn  a 
living.  Indeed,  Venerable  Sirs  and  Fathers,  these  difficulties  are  so 
great  th?.t  nothing  but  the  divine  grace  and  your  fatherly  affection  can 
enable  us  to  overcome  them.  Your  reply  to  the  Acts  of  our  Coetus,  A.  D. 
1775,  which  has  duly  come  to  hand,  was  of  such  a  nature.  We  rejoiced 
at  the  kind  approbation  bestowed  upon  most  of  our  proceedings  and 
resolutions,  and  we  thank  you  heartily  for  the  new  support  of  which  you 
assured  us,  and  for  a  continuance  of  which,  being  so  much  in  need  of  it, 
we  again  humbly  beseech  you.  May  the  Great  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of 
our  souls,  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  build  up  His  Zion  in  all 
places  and  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Especially  may  He,  in  the  future 
as  in  the  past,  permit  His  Church  in  Holland  to  remain  like  a  city  built 
on  a  high  mountain;  and  may  He,  from  the  fulness  of  His  divine  all- 
sufficiency,  pour  out  all  manner  of  spiritual  and  tem^poral  blessings  upon 
its  high  protectors  and  worthy  servants,  to  the  inspiration,  comfort  and 
aid  of  other  churches  that  humbly  revere  and  sincerely  love  you  as  their 
mother.  The  whole  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania  utters  this  wish  and  prayer. 
In  its  name  we  subscribe  ourselves. 

Very  Eeverend  Sirs  and  Fathers  in  Christ, 

Your  obedient,  humble  servants, 

W.  Hendel,  Pres.  p.  t. 

Albert  Helffenstein,  Sec.  p.  t. 

(371) 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1781. 
(Hague  92,  B.  127;  N.  B.,  No.  1180;  Harb.  MSS.,  No.  56.) 

MINUTES    OF    THE    COETUS    OF    PENNSYLVANIA,    HELD    IN    PHILA- 
DELPHIA, MAY  9th,   1781. 

Since,  because  of  the  tumult  of  war,  it  could  not  be  deter- 
mined at  the  last  Coetus  where  the  meeting  could  be  held  next 
year,  the  decision  was  left  to  a  later  time,  when  it  was  decided 
to  meet  in  Philadelphia. 

The  opening  of  Coetus  took  place  on  the  appointed  day, 
when  ]\Ir.  Helffenstein  publicly  delivered  a  sermon,  on 
1  Cor.  ix.  26-27,  at  10  A.  M.  in  the  church  there. 

SESSION   I. 

The  question  concerning  the  condition  of  the  congregations 
was  put  to  each  of  the  brethren  present.  It  appeared  from 
their  answers  that  as  they  scattered  the  seed  in  the  hope  of 
blessing,  a  few  had  come  to  a  knowledge  of  their  sin  and  con- 
fessed the  necessity  of  their  redemption  through  Christ,  but 
the  larger  number  were  satisfied  with  an  external  discharge  of 
their  religious  duties.  Especially  did  they  regret  that,  although 
the  end  of  this  terrible  war  should  be  prayed  for  in  repent- 
ance and  faith,  yet,  on  the  contrary,  the  war  still  increases 
the  vanity,  and  many  indulge,  without  shame  and  decency, 
in  the  most  abominable  vices. 

In  order  that  the  Reverend  Fathers  may  more  easily  under- 
stand this  report,  we  hereby  give  the  changes  made  by  some 
of  the  brethren: 

Mr.  Helffenstein  left  Lancaster  and  took  charge  of  his  old 
congregation  in  Germantown,  in  the  hope  of  having  more 
fruit  there. 

Mr.  Faber  has  accepted  Lancaster.  He  left  Goshenhoppen 
because  they  did  not  give  him  the  necessary  support,  which 
they  were  sufficiently  able  to  do. 

Mr.  Dubbendorf  left  Germantown  and  accepted  a  congre- 
gation, Lykens  Valley,  which  is  far  distant.  This  old  gentle- 
man had  the  misfortune  to  come  over  with  the  Hessian  troops, 

(372) 


EECOBDS  OF  1781.  373 

and  remained  for  quite  a  time  among  the  British  in  New 
York.  Therefore,  he  was  suspected  of  siding  with  the  British, 
and  lost  the  confidence  of  the  people  in  Germantown. 

Mr.  Gobrecht  likewise  left  his  congregation  and  accepted 
McCallister,  which  congregation  was  formerly  served  by  Do. 
Boehm. 

Mr.  Wittner  died  on  the  25th  of  December,  1779,  and  Mr. 
Bucher  on  the  15th  of  August,  1780. 

Mr.  Ingold,  since  his  arrival  here,  has  not  conducted  him- 
self according  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  brethren.  His  first 
congregations  were  Worcester  and  Skippack,  which  he  ac- 
cepted without  consulting  the  brethren.  He  agreed  with 
them  upon  a  salary,  which  the  people  were  unable  to  raise 
another  year,  or  did  not  desire  to  do  so.  At  the  close  of  the 
year  the  congregation  offered  him  a  smaller  sum,  and  said  if 
he  should  not  be  satisfied  with  this  they  would  close  the 
church  against  him.  Thereupon  Mr.  Ingold  preached  no 
longer  for  them,  but  continued  to  live  in  the  parsonage  until 
he  no  longer  dared  to  remain  there.  He  then  moved  to  an- 
other house  in  the  neighborhood,  where  he  wholly  consumed 
the  gathered  crumbs.  His  brethren  were  sorry  for  him,  gave 
him  oral  and  written  advice,  and  helped  him  to  Saucon.  But 
here  again  he  immediately  left  and  went  to  Easton,  hoping 
to  draw  the  united  congregation  to  him.  But  this  he  could 
not  do,  partly  because  they  did  not  desire  Mr.  Ingold,  partly 
because  they  were  served  by  other  brethren  whom  they  would 
rather  retain  until  a  later  time.  But  Easton  being  a  small 
congregation  and  unable  to  support  him,  and  he,  in  addition, 
losing  the  love  of  the  people,  and  finally  even  being  perse- 
cuted, tried  to  gain  the  favor  of  Goshenhoppen.  He  offered 
to  take  only  as  much  salary  as  their  kindness  and  free- 
will should  give.  The  result  was  that  two  small  congrega- 
tions allowed  him  to  preach  in  their  churches ;  but  the  strong- 
est congregation,  New  Goshenhoppen,  protested  against  this, 
and  many  persons  also  in  the  two  smaller  congregations  did 
not  want  to  have  anything  to  do  with  him  until  he  should  be 
accepted  by  the  three  united  congregations  as  their  minister. 
Nevertheless,  Mr.  Ingold  settled  among  these  congregations 
on  his  own  account.  Hence,  there  arose  the  greatest  con- 
fusion among  them,  which  a  committee  of  Coetus  tried  to 


371  COEIUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

settle.  But  Ingold  opposed  and  frustrated  the  attempt  of  his 
brethren.  AVhen  all  these  actions  of  this  man  were  placed 
before  Coetus,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

a.  That  the  three  united  congregations  shall  meet  for  the 
election  of  a  minister.  Mr.  Ingold  may  be  a  candidate  in  this 
election,  if  the  congregations  so  agree. 

h.  That  this  action  be  recommended,  in  writing,  to  the  con- 
gregations, and  Mr.  Ingold  likewise  be  advised  to  help  in 
bringing  about  this  election;  otherwise  the  Coetus  will  be 
compelled  to  take  extreme  steps  in  his  case. 

SESSION   II. 

The  congregations,  Saucon  and  Springfield,  desire  a  min- 
ister.    Coetus  has  allowed  them  to  call  one  of  the  Coetus. 

Mr.  Dubbendorf  complained,  in  a  letter,  of  the  poverty  of 
his  congregations,  which  could  not  give  him  the  necessary 
support;  also  of  the  danger  of  entirely  perishing,  since  his 
life  was  in  great  danger  because  of  the  Indians.  The  Coetus 
resolved  to  send  him  fifteen  pounds  from  the  money  paid  in. 

The  congregations  v^-hich  ]\Ir.  Gobrecht  left  asked  for  a 
minister.  The  Coetus  allowed  them  also  to  call  a  minister  of 
the  Coetus. 

The  congregations  which  Mr.  Bucher  served  extended  a  call 
to  Mr.  Runckel,  and,  if  he  should  not  accept,  they  ask  that 
these  congregations  might  be  served  by  neighboring  ministers. 

SESSION  m. 

The  letters  which  Coetus  received  from  the  Reverend  Fath- 
ers are  the  following :  Amsterdam,  October  15th,  1778 ;  Hague, 
IMarch  9th,  1779 ;  together  with  a  draft  for  450  Holland  guil- 
ders. When  these  letters  were  read,  the  Coetus,  in  all  rever- 
ence, considered  itself  under  obligation  to  satisfy  the  request 
of  the  Reverend  Fathers.  We  are  also  grateful  for  the  draft 
and  the  IMinutes  of  the  Synod  of  North  Holland,  held  in  Am- 
sterdam, July  28th,  1778. 

Since  the  Reverend  Fathers  demand  that  the  widows  and 
schoobnasters  shall  have  a  share  in  their  kind  gift,  we  shall 
report  to  the  Reverend  Fathers  in  our  next  Coetus  concern- 
ing this,  in  case  the  draft  should  be  paid.  We  hereby  also 
report,  according  to  the  desire  of  the  Reverend  Fathers,  to- 


BECOBDS  OF  1781.  375 

gether  with  the  statistics,  the  number  and  names  of  the  con- 
gregations which  each  minister  serves,  and  by  which  the  min- 
isters have  been  calle^. 

Statistics  of  the  congregations: 

Fam.    Bapt.    Conf.    Scholars. 

Albert   Helffensteui,   Germantown —         —         —  — 

Caspar  Weyberg,  Philadelphia —       161         70  120 

Abraham    Blumer,    Northampton,    Jordan, 

Schlos&er  %    Egypt 141         69         71  135 

William  Eunckel,  Carlisle,  Blaser's,  May- 
town,  Eapho,  Manheim,  White  Oaks 90         53         57  42 

Caspar  Wack,    Tohickon,   Indianfield,   and 

Swamp    110         72         21  40 

William  Hendel,  Upper  Tulpehocken, 
Lower     Tulpehocken,     Swatara,     Muhl- 

bach,  Heidelberg 169         80         48  51 

John  Henry  Helffrich,  Masatawny,  Hei- 
delberg, Lowhill,  Upper  Milford,  Salz- 
burg  180         75         40  100 

Nicholas  Pomp,  Falkner  Swamp  and  Vin- 
cent  150         60         48  — 

Christopher  Gobrecht,  McCaUister,  Kreutz 

Church,  Abbottstown,  Bermudian 147         58       158  — 

Frederick     Dallicker,     Eockaway,     Yalley, 

FoxhiU 73         23         65  — 

On  account  of  the  disturbances  caused  by  the  war,  the  num- 
ber of  Mr.  Weyberg's  families  could  not  be  obtained  this  year. 

Concerning  the  statistics,  we  wish  to  remark  that  at  the 
next  Coetus  they  shall  be  more  fully  transmitted.  The  Rev- 
erend Fathers  will  until  then  delay  their  kind  intention  to 
enter  our  names  into  their  ministers '  book.* 

At  the  close  of  the  Coetus  the  question  was  raised  as  to 
where  the  next  meeting  should  be  held,  when  Reading  and  the 
third  AYednesday  before  Ascension  Day  were  decided  upon. 

Albert  Helffenstein,  Pres.  p.  t. 
Caspar  Weyberg,  Sec.  p.  t. 

*  This  Year  Book,  containing  the  names  of  all  the  ministers  and  the- 
ological professors  in  connection  with  the  Church  of  Holland,  was  en- 
titled: Naamregister  der  PrediJcanten  zo  van  de  Nederdeutsclie  als 
TValscJie  en  Englische  KerJcen,  etc.  Leiden,  Boekdruckery,  Yan  Damme. 
It  contained  a  full  list  of  the  Eeformed  ministers  of  Pennsylvania,  to- 
gether with  their  congregations,  at  least  from  1750-1797.  Copies  of 
these  years  are  in  the  Eoyal  Library  at  the  Hague.  See,  also,  Coetal 
Le;ter  of  1786,  Sec.  7. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1782. 

(Hague  92,  B.  128;  N.  B.,  No.  118114;  Harb.  MSS.,  No.  57.) 

Very  Reverend  Sirs,  Especially  Much  Beloved  Fathers: 

We  hereby  send  to  your  Eeverences  the  statistics  of  the 
churches,  and  also  the  Minutes  of  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania, 
1782,  hoping  that  your  Reverences  will  receive  them  and  be 
pleased  with  them. 

MINUTES  OP  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,  HELD  IN  READING, 
IN   PENNSYLVANIA,   MAY   IST,    1782. 

The  Coetus  was  opened  at  10  A.  M.  in  the  church  in  Reading 
with  an  edifying  sermon  by  Brother  Weyberg,  on  2  Cor.  iv.  6. 
After  the  service,  Mr.  Weyberg  was  elected,  by  a  majority  of 
votes,  President,  and  Mr.  Pomp,  Secretary. 

The  ministers  who  were  present  with  their  delegated  elders 
were  the  following: 

Weyberg,  Pomp,  Leydich, 

Otterbein,  Waldschmidt,  Hendel, 

Daelliker,  Helffricb,  Wack, 

Wagner,  Faber,  Runkel, 

Blumer,  Neveling,  Weber, 

Boehm,  Gobrecht,  Henop. 

The  following  did  not  appear,  but  sent  in  a  written  excuse 
for  various  reasons: 

Helffenstein,  Ingold,  Weymer,  Dubbendorff. 

On  the  same  day,  in  the  afternoon,  the  said  ministers  and 
elders  went  into  the  school-house  of  the  congregation,  where 
the  sessions  began  ^dth  the  invocation  of  the  divine  name, 
and  the  following  business  was  transacted : 

1.  The  President  asked  each  of  the  ministers  present  how, 
and  with  what  blessing,  he  had  worked  in  his  ministry. 
These  questions  were  answered  to  our  joy,  according  to  the 
unanimous  testimony  of  the  delegated  elders.  Of  these  re- 
ports we  can  only  state  in  general,  since  it  would  be  too 
lengthy  to  report  every  answer  in  particular,  that  the  holy 
ministerial  office  in  these  sad  times  is  everywhere  more  accept- 

(376) 


BE  COEDS  OF  1782.  377 

able  to  the  congregations  than  ever  before,  and  it  is  dis- 
charged with  great  blessings  to  many  souls. 

2.  Mr.  Ingold,  who  was  not  present  at  the  Reverend  Coetus, 
having  left  the  congregations  in  Goshenhoppen  half  a  year 
ago,  informed  the  Reverend  Coetus,  by  a  letter  presented  by 
an  elder,  that  he  had  begun  to  serve  the  congregations  Easton, 
Dryland  and  Greenwich.  The  Reverend  Coetus  was  obliged 
to  approve  of  his  action,  because  for  several  years  it  has  been 
thought  advisable  to  allow  all  vacant  congregations  to  call  a 
minister  of  the  Coetus  according  to  their  pleasure;  even  as  a 
minister  is  also  at  liberty  to  accept  such  congregations  at 
pleasure.  Since  these  privileges  are  found  not  to  be  disad- 
vantageous, but  rather  beneficial,  both  on  the  part  of  the  min- 
isters and  on  the  part  of  the  congregations,  the  Reverend 
Coetus  intends  to  grant  them  also  in  future. 

3.  The  congregations  of  Allen  township.  Moor  township 
and  Lehigh  with  sorrow  reported  to  the  Reverend  Coetus  the 
decease  of  Mr.  Steiner,  who  had  been  their  beloved  minister. 
They  applied  for  another  capable  minister.  After  a  careful 
investigation  of  the  circumstances,  the  Reverend  Coetus  an- 
swered the  delegates  that  the  three  said  congregations,  on 
account  of  the  congregation  of  Dryland,  which  immediately 
after  Mr.  Steiner 's  death  had  left  them  and  united  with 
Easton,  should  unite  with  some  other  congregation,  which 
may  be  found  either  in  Dryland  or  in  Plainfield  [township], 
so  that  if  they  call  a  minister  they  may  also  raise  the  neces- 
sary salary. 

4.  A  congregation  in  Westmoreland  County,  a  district  near 
Pittsburg,  in  Pennsylvania,  a  new  settlement,  where  there  was 
no  German  minister  heretofore,  very  earnestly  petitioned  for 
an  able  minister,  whom  it  promised  eighty  pounds  annually, 
together  with  other  necessaries  of  life.  Since  Mr.  Weber 
showed  an  inclination  for  this  congregation,  the  Reverend 
Coetus  resolved  to  recommend  him,  so  that  he  may  receive  a 
regular  call  to  that  place. 

5.  Mr.  Daellicker  informed  Coetus  why  he  had  left  his 
former  field  in  New  Jersey,  including  the  congregations  Rock- 
away,  Valley,  and  Foxhill,  and,  a  few  months  ago,  accepted  a 
call  from  the  congregations  of  Goshenhoppen.     Said  congre- 


378  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

gations  which  Mr.  Daellicker  left  petitioned  the  Reverend 
Coetus  at  this  time  for  another  able  minister.  This  was 
granted  them  in  the  same  way  as  we  are  accustomed  to  treat 
all  other  vacant  congregations.  But  since  the  congregation 
in  Amwell,  which  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  said  three  con- 
gregations, and  at  present  served  by  ]Mr.  Neveling,  is  not  able 
to  give  a  sufficient  salary  to  a  minister,  therefore  the  Rever- 
end Coetus  resolved  that  this  congregation  shall  unite  with 
the  other  congregations  which  Mr.  Daellicker  left,  so  that  they 
may  unitedly  call  a  minister,  whom  they  can  provide  with  a 
sufficient  salary,  and  also  with  a  house,  which  should  be 
located  in  the  center  of  the  four  congregations. 

6.  Some  men  appeared  in  the  name  of  three  other  congre- 
gations in  West  Jersey,  from  the  places  Nolton,  Hartwich 
and  Newton,  who  likewise  desired  a  minister  to  supply  them 
with  the  Word  of  God  and  the  Holy  Sacraments.  But  the 
Reverend  Coetus  could  not  promise  them  anything  beyond 
the  liberty  to  call  a  capable  minister  of  the  Coetus,  as  is 
allowed  to  all  vacant  congregations. 

7.  The  congregations  in  Lebanon  presented  a  written  re- 
quest to  be  henceforth  supplied  by  Mr.  Runckel ;  and  because 
Mr.  Runckel  was  not  only  willing  to  do  this,  but  also  showed 
that  he  could  serve  the  congregation  from  time  to  time  with- 
out neglecting  his  other  congregations,  the  Reverend  Coetus 
confirmed  this  call. 

8.  Mr.  Wack  notified  the  Reverend  Coetus  that  he  had 
accepted  a  call  from  the  congregations  in  Saucon  and  Spring- 
field. Since  these  congregations  were  at  liberty,  according  to 
a  previous  resolution,  to  call  any  minister  of  the  Reverend 
Coetus,  the  call  was  unanimously  confirmed. 

9.  The  congregations,  Tohickon,  Indianfield  and  Great 
Swamp,  which,  by  the  departure  of  Mr.  Wack,  had  become 
vacant,  asked,  through  delegates,  for  another  minister.  The 
Reverend  Coetus  could  do  nothing  but  give  these  congrega- 
tions liberty  to  call  a  minister.  This  liberty  was  also  granted 
to  several  other  congregations,  namely,  to  the  congregation 
in  Reading,  which  Mr.  Boos  has  at  last  been  obliged  to  leave, 
and  also  to  the  four  united  congi-egations,  Muddy  Creek,  Co- 
calico,  Seltenreich  and  Reyers,  which  were  last  served  by  I\Ir. 
Gobrecht. 


BECOBDS  OF  1782.  379 

10.  From  the  complaints  of  the  congregation  in  Baltimore, 
the  Reverend  Coetus  noticed,  with  great  sorrow,  that  Brother 
Boehm,  on  account  of  physical  infirmities,  becomes  more  and 
more  unfit  for  the  ministry.  His  infirmities  are  gout  and 
epilepsy,  which  commenced  a  few  years  ago,  and  increased  to 
such  an  extent  that,  by  the  unanimous  judgment  of  Coetus, 
he  was  declared  unable  to  perform  his  ministerial  duties.  It, 
therefore,  devolved  upon  us  to  deliberate  how  both  this  dis- 
abled brother  and  also  the  congregation,  which  asked  for  an- 
other minister,  might  be  assisted.  After  we  all  had  taken  this 
affair  to  heart,  and  given  thought  hoY\",  in  such  a  sad  case, 
counsel  and  help  might  be  given,  a  motion  was  finally  made, 
and  unanimously  adopted,  that  the  congregation,  for  some 
time  to  come,  grant  to  Mr.  Boehm  the  necessary  support,  but 
at  the  same  time  shall  have  liberty  to  call  another  minister, 
if  it  can  give  him  a  salary  besides  Mr.  Boehm 's.  But  because 
the  burden  of  paying  the  salary  of  two  ministers  might  be  too 
heavy  for  the  congregation,  especially  in  these  hard  times, 
the  Reverend  Coetus  resolved  to  have  recourse  to  the  Fathers 
in  Holland,  and  respectfully  to  ask  them  to  send  something 
towards  the  support  of  Mr.  Boehm.  We  hereby  ask  for  such 
real  help  as  the  Reverend  Fathers  have  given  to  us  often 
before. 

11.  Brother  Weyberg  showed  the  Reverend  Coetus  a  bill 
of  exchange,  dated  Amsterdam,  December  5,  1778,  for  450 
guilders,  which  sum,  however,  has  not  been  received  thus  far. 
But  the  Coetus  rejoices  on  account  of  the  charitable  donations 
which  still  continue  to  be  given  by  the  Reverend  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  to  the  poor  congregations  of  this  country. 

12.  The  business  having  been  finished,  it  was  resolved  to 
hold  the  next  Coetus  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  third  Wednesday 
before  Ascension  Day. 

Finally,  the  Minutes,  of  which  this  is  a  copy,  were  signed 
in  the  original  by  all  the  ministers  and  elders,  as  is  always 
customary.     But  this  copy  is  signed  in  the  name  of  all  by 

Caspar  Weyberg,  President. 
Nicholas  Pomp,  Secretary. 


380 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Statistics  of  the  Eeformed  Congregations  in   Pennsylvania  and 
Maryland,  May  1st,  1782. 


Ministers. 


Caspar  Weyberg 
N.  Pomp  .  .    . 
A.  Helffenstein 

Fr.  Henop  .    . 


John  Helffrich 

Fr.  Daelliker 
Weber  .    .    . 

W.  Hendel  . 

Th.  Faber    - 

C.  Gobrecht  . 

D.  Wagner  . 
Ph.  Leidig  . 

Caspar  Wack 
Chas.  Boehme  . 

Abraham  Blumer. 
William  Runkel. 


Congregations. 


{! 


Philadelphia.  .  .  . 
Falkner  Swamp,  R.* 

Vincent 

Germantown  .... 
Frederick,  R.  .  .  . 
Middletown    .        .    . 

Glade 

Maxatawny,  R.     .    . 

Lowhill 

Heidelberg 

Upper  Milford  .    .    . 

Salzburg c    .  J 

New  Goshenhoppen,  R 
Old  Goshenhoppen  .    . 

Great  Swamp 

Plainfield,  R.    ......   j 

Hamilton    ....  J 

Tulpehocken,  R 

Host . 

Bethel.  

Heidelberg . 

At  Blue  Mountain 

Lancaster 

Hanover,  R 1 

Kreutz  Ch.  [Christ  Church]  ( 


12000'  151 

85|     40 


•    J 


Abbots  Ch. 
Bermudian  .  .    .    . 

York 

Trappe 

Coventry    .    .    .    , 
Pottstown  .    . 
Lower  Saucon,  R. 
Springfield  .  .    . 
Nockamixon  .  .    , 
Baltimore  ... 
Northampton    . 
Jordan    .... 
Schlosser's  .  .    . 

Egypt^ 

Blaser's  . 
May  town    .    .    . 
Rapho  .  .        .    . 
Manheim    .    .    . 
White  Oaks  .    . 


;l 


I"  a 


45 
1651 

92S 
39 


15 
45' 
64 
31 
24  20 


155 


*  R.  stands  for  residence  (of  ministers), 
•f  Sittings  in  the  church. 


82     47 


170     33     35 


65     25' 

43     21'     20 


32  41 

8i  8 

9  5 

7 1  28 


300     461     19 


43 

19: 
Il2 

I 

74 

30 

49 

28| 

80 

1"^ 

3i 

33 

25" 

81 

38 

14, 

12i 

20 

8 

. 

11 

12 

. 

13 

51 

14 

' 

15 

7 

'1 

I     25 


96     64'  24    4 

I  i  ; 

70;     24'  36'  1 

151 !     38  j  32; 

'  r22'      ' 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1782,  ADDRESSED  TO  THE 
CLASSIS. 

(N.  B.,  No.  1184.) 

Very    lieverend,    Most    Learned,    and    Most    Esteemed    Gentlemen    and 

Fathers : 

Time  will  sliow  whether  the  Eeverend  Fathers  have  received  the  Min- 
utes of  the  previous  year,  and  whether  these  will  have  the  same  fortune. 

In  these  Minutes  the  Fathers  vrill  criticize  that  the  vacant  congrega- 
tions have  been  given  liberty  to  call  a  minister  of  the  Coetus.  But  the 
Eeverend  Fathers  will  notice  that  no  minister,  on  this  account,  shall 
leave  his  congregations  without  good  cause.  Since  for  the  present  time 
no  new  ministers  can  be  expected,  we  desire  thereby  to  satisfy  the 
vacant  congregations,  and  to  retain  them  in  the  Coetus. 

The  draft  to  Mr.  John  Erkelens  would  have  been  paid  long  ago  if  our 
paper  money  had  retained  its  credit.  I  must  state,  to  the  credit  of  this 
gentleman,  that  he  will  pay  the  money,  to  the  satisfaction  of  Coetus,  as 
soon  as  the  conditions  of  our  country  improve. 

We  further  commend  ourselves  to  the  favor  of  the  Eeverend  Fathers, 
which  we  so  long  enjoyed,  and  call  ourselves,  in  all  sincerity, 

Our  Eeverend  Fathers'  most  devoted  and  humble  co-laborers, 

Caspar  Weybeeg. 
(381) 


MINUTES  OP  THE  COETUS  OF  1783. 
(Hague  92,  B.  129;  N.  B.,  No.  1186;  Harb.  MSS.,  No.  58.) 

MINUTES    OF    THE    COETUS    OF    PENNSYLVANIA,    HELD    IN    PHILA- 
DELPHIA, MAY  14th,  1783. 

Present. 

Pomp,  p.  t.  President;  Weyberg,  Helffenstein,  Hendel, 
Otterbein,  Leydich,  Ilelffrich,  Neveling,  Wagner,  Runckel, 
Dallicker,  p.  t.  Secretary. 

Absent  ministers  who  sent  in  excuses  that  were  recognized 
as  valid:  Do.  Dubendorf,  in  Lykens  Valley;  Do.  Gobrecht, 
in  Hanover;  Do.  Wack,  in  Saucon;  Do.  Weber,  in  Fort  Pitt. 

Do.  Ingold,  in  Easton,  sent  an  excuse,  but  it  was  not  valid. 

Gentlemen  who  perhaps  were  unable  to  send  in  reasons  for 
their  absence:  Do.  Waldschmidt,  in  Cocalico;  Do.  Faber,  in 
Indianfield;  Do.  Blumer,  in  Whitehall;  Do.  Henop,  in  Fred- 
erick; Do.  Weymer,  in  Ilagerstown. 

The  following  ministers  have  changed  charges  since  the 
last  Coetus  in  Reading: 

Do.  Theobald  Faber  left  Lancaster  and  accepted  Indian- 
field,  Tohickon,  and  Trumbauer's  Church. 

Do.  Hendel  left  Tulpehocken  for  his  former  congregation 
in  Lancaster. 

Do.  Neveling  left  Amwell,  in  New  Jersey,  and  went  to 
Reading,  so  that  now  that  whole  State,  in  which  two  or  three 
ministers  are  very  much  needed,  is  without  a  regular  supply. 

Do.  Weber  took  charge  of  the  congregations  which  called 
him  at  the  last  Coetus,  namely.  Fort  Pitt,  Hanto^vn,  Hemp- 
field  and  Mount  Pleasant,  in  Westmoreland  County,  State  of 
Pennsylvania. 

Vacant  congregations  in  Pennsylvania: 

1.  Worcester  and  Witpen. 

2.  Tulpehocken  and  united  congregations,  formerly  served 
by  Do.  Hendel. 

3.  Allentownship,  Moortownship,  Lehigh,  formerly  served 
by  Do.  Steiner. 

(382) 


EECOEDS  OF  1783.  3S3 

4.  Muddy  Creek,  Cocalico,  Seltenreich,  Reyer's,  where  Do. 
Gobrecht  was  stationed. 

In  Maryland: 

5.  The  one  congregation  in  Baltimore,  served  formerly  by 
Do.  Boehm. 

In  West  Jersey : 

6.  Rockaway,  Valley,  Foxhill,  supplied  by  Do.  Dallicker. 

7.  Nolton,  Hartwick,  Newtown,  although  partly  served  by 
the  former  [Do.  Dallicker]. 

8.  Amwell,  formerly  served  by  Do.  Neveling. 

The  Coetus  was  opened,  as  usual,  at  10  A.  M.,  by  Do.  Pomp, 
as  President,  with  a  sermon  on  John  xvi.  8-11,  well  worked 
out  and  applicable  to  the  condition  of  our  times. 

SESSION  I.     2  P.  M. 

The  President  began  with  invoking  the  indispensable  assist- 
ance of  God,  who  guides  His  Church.  Then  followed  the 
usual  investigation  concerning  the  benefit  and  spiritual  bless- 
ing of  our  common  ministry.  The  answers  of  the  few  breth- 
ren who  had  met  showed  that  up  to  the  present  time  it  was 
necessary  to  work  under  great  difficulties,  with  more  fear 
than  hope,  and  that  we  must  persevere  with  constant  watch- 
ing and  prayer  if  we  would  expect  blessing  and  joy  in  eter- 
nity. Yet  it  appeared  to  me  as  if  a  special  joy  and  cheerful- 
ness of  spirit  were  to  be  seen  in  the  ministers,  and  also  in  the 
faithful  elders,  on  account  of  the  blessed  times  of  peace, 
whereby  the  Lord  has  crowned  the  physical  and  spiritual 
struggle  of  true  Republicans.  To  us,  as  American  ministers, 
under  the  supervision  of  the  Reverend  Fathers  of  Holland, 
this  change  of  our  government  must  be  especially  welcome, 
on  account  of  the  closer  union  with  the  Reverend  Classis  of 
Amsterdam  and  the  Reverend  Synods,  which  can  be  expected 
on  account  of  the  unrestricted  fellowship  now  open  to  the 
two  republics,  which  God  may  further  bless. 

Article  II. 

In  accordance  with  the  custom  now  prevailing  among  us, 
the  congregations  of  Tulpehocken,  etc.,  which  earnestly  peti- 
tioned for  a  new  minister,  were  given  permission  to  call  a 


384  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

minister  of  the  Coetus  and  to  accept  him,  if  any  one  should 
be  \nlling  to  serve  them. 

Article  III, 

According  to  Article  V  of  last  year's  Minutes,  the  four 
congregations  of  New  Jersey — Rockaway,  Valley,  Foxliill, 
and  Am  well — were  advised  to  unite,  in  order  to  better  sup- 
port a  minister,  and  because  the  ministers  are  few.  But 
three  of  them,  namely,  Rockaway,  Valley  and  Foxhill,  again 
appeared  and  showed  the  inexpediency  of  uniting  with  Am- 
well  on  account  of  the  great  distance.  Amwell  also,  since  the 
departure  of  Do.  Neveling,  did  not  make  the  least  effort  to 
secure  a  minister,  but  was  very  careless  in  this  respect. 
Therefore  these  three  congregations  named  above  were  again 
declared  to  be  united  congregations,  as  before,  without  unit- 
ing with  Amwell. 

Article  IV. 

The  two  congregations  of  Baltimore  appeared  before 
Coetus,  through  delegates ;  but,  alas !  Avith  the  old  accustomed 
want  of  harmony,  so  that  at  present  we  must  give  up  the 
hope  of  union.  It  was  resolved  to  let  the  ease  rest  with  the 
decision  of  the  last  Coetus,  Art.  X,  only  with  this  modifica- 
tion, that  the  support  of  JMr.  Boehm  may  cease,  because  the 
year  of  the  promised  support  is  ended. 

SESSION   II.      MAY    15tII,    A.   M. 

Article  V. 

A  man  by  the  name  of  Cyriacus  Spangenberg,  of  Reide- 
meister,  a  cousin  of  Dubendorf,  presented  himself  before 
Coetus,  desiring  to  be  admitted  to  the  holy  ministiy,  by  ex- 
amination and  ordination;  but  inasmuch  as,  not  only  accord- 
ing to  report,  but  also  according  to  his  own  aclmowledgment, 
he  had  already  administered  holy  baptism  without  ordination, 
and  had  made  application  to  Mr.  Boos,  desiring  him  to  confer 
ordination  upon  him,  who,  however,  it  seems,  was  upright 
enough  to  refuse  to  do  it,  and  especially  because  his  conduct, 
as  described  by  those  who  know  him,  is  altogether  more  like 
that  of  a  soldier  and  lawyer  than  a  minister,  the  entire  Coetus 
agreed  to  refuse  this  request. 


BECOBDS  Oi  1783.  385 

SESSION  in.    2  P.  M. 

Since  the  Reverend  Fathers  will  see  from  the  list  of  vacant 
congregations  in  what  condition  our  churches  are  through 
lack  of  ministers,  and  since  we  also  have  many  proofs  of  their 
paternal  care  regarding  this  want,  therefore  we  are  en- 
couraged earnestly  to  petition  that,  by  their  kind  help,  some 
able  and  approved  ministers,  perhaps  three  or  four,  may  be 
sent  to  this  country  from  Germany.  Since  several  of  the 
vacant  congregations  are  from  time  to  time  served  by  the 
brethren,  it  is  infinitely  better  to  secure  a  few  honest  men 
than  many  who  lack  this  quality. 

Article  VIL 

The  bill  of  exchange  for  450  guilders,  dated  Amsterdam, 
December  5th,  1778,  which,  through  your  paternal  love  and 
care,  we  received,  is  not  yet  paid.  It  may,  perhaps,  now  be 
done,  the  times  being  more  peaceful. 

Article  VIII. 

Finally,  it  was  resolved  that  the  next  meeting  of  Coetus, 
Ood  willing,  shall  be  held  in  Lancaster,  on  the  second  Wed- 
nesday before  Ascension  Day. 

Nicholas  Pomp,  Pres.  p.  t. 
Frederick  Dallicker,  Sec.  p.  t. 
25 


386 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Statistics  of  the  Eeformed  Ck)XGREGATioxs  Belonging  to  the  Rev- 
erend CoETUS  OF  Pennsylvania,  May  14,  1783. 


Ministebs. 


Nicholas  Pomp  •    •    •  ] 

Caspar  Weyberg  .... 
Albert  Hellfenstein  .  . 
William  Hendel  .... 

William  Otterbein  .  .  < 
Philip  Leydich  .    .    .  -^ 

r 
I 

John  Henry  HeLffrich.  - 


John  G.  W.  Neveling 
Daniel  Wagner  .    .   . 


William  Runkel  . 


Christ.  Gobrecht 


Caspar  Wack  .    .    . 
Fred.  Dalliker.  .    . 


■{ 


Congregations. 


Falkner  Swamp.  .    .    . 

Vincent 

Philadelphia  (sittings) 

Germantown 

Lancaster 


Baltimore 

Antietam 

Pottstown 

Coventry 

Trappe    

Maxatawny    .... 

Heidelberg 

Lowhili 

Upper  Milford  .    .    . 

Salzburg 

Greenwich 

Reading 

York 

Lebanon  

Kamerling 

Jones' 

Hill  Church  .... 
Donegal  ....    .    . 

Maytown 

Rapho 

Manheim 

White  Oaks  .... 

Hanover 

Christ  Church  .  .  . 
Abbotstown   .... 

Bermudian 

Lower  Saucon   .    .    . 

Springfield 

New  Goshenhoppen  . 
Old  Goshenhoppen  . 
Great  Swamp .... 


85 

45 

2000 

180 

164 

32 

50 

152 


175 


100 

78 


169 


125 

75 
50 
95 
45 
37 


pq 


-^ 


36 
20 
177 
47 
52 
10 
21 

29 


92 


124 


65 


32 


35 


47 


45 


32! 
30 


} 


37 


37|  17 
18i  8 
12     26 


S 


100 
50 

120 
63 
81 
40 
25 


164 


75 
50 


101 


50 

48 
32 
31 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1784. 

(Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  61;  Acts  of  Depp.  32,  XIY, 
pp.  392-395.)* 

MINUTES  OF   THE   COETUS   OF  PEXXSYLVAXL\,    HELD   IN   LAN- 
CASTER,   MAY    12,    1784. 

There  were  present: 

B-eno-p,  President,  AVeyberg, 

Helffenstein,  Dubbendorff, 

Pomp,  Runekel, 

TVeymer,  Faber, 

Gobrecht,  Hendel, 

Otterbein,  ^         -  AYagner, 

Wack,  Bluraer,  p.  t.  Secretary. 

Absent : 

Dallicker,  on  account  of  the  death  and  burial  of  his  wife. 

Ingold. 

YTaldschmidt. 

TTeber,  on  account  of  the  great  distance. 

Boehm,  died  in  the  summer  of  the  previous  year,  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

Leydich,  died  also  last  winter. 

Neveling,  who  ministered  to  the  church  in  Reading,  and, 
in  view  of  his  age,  might  have  been  useful  to  the  church  for  a 
long  time,  was  struck  with  apoplexy  last  autumn,  and  was 
thereby  disabled  from  further  occupying  his  post. 

YTeber  last  year  accepted  a  call  from  several  churches  near 
Pittsburg,  which  is  300  English  miles  from  Philadelphia. 

Pomp  went  from  Falkner  Swamp  to  Baltimore,  where  for- 
merly Do.  Boehm  was  located. 

Dallicker  went  from  Goshenhoppen  to  Falkner  Swamp. 

SESSION  I.     MAY  12,  1784,  P.  M. 
After  Do.  Weyberg,  on  account  of  the  absence  of  Do.  Dal- 

*  TVe  follow  the  translated  copy  of  the  Hague,  because  it  is  more 
complete. 

(387) 


388  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

licker,  who,  bj'  reason  of  the  death  of  his  wife,  could  not 
attend  our  session  nor  take  his  place  as  President,  had  opened 
the  meeting  with  a  semion  on  Acts  xxvi.  18,  well  adapted  to 
the  circumstances  of  the  day,  and  edifying,  our  business  was 
attended  to  in  the  following  order: 

I. 

In  answer  to  the  usual  question,  each  of  the  ministers 
present  gave  information  about  the  condition  of  his  congre- 
gations, from  which  it  appeared  that  all  the  ministers  enter- 
tained the  hope  that  their  ministration  would  be  followed 
with  a  blessing  from  the  Lord,  some  more  richly,  others  less 
so.  In  particular,  some  of  the  brethren  gloried  in  the  prog- 
ress of  the  youth  in  knowledge  and  godliness. 

n. 

The  congregations  at  Cocalico,  Reyer's  Church,  Muddy 
Creek  and  Seltenreich,  which  were  formerly  served  by  Do. 
Gobrecht,  but  now  for  a  long  period  have  had  no  pastor, 
urgently  asked  for  a  minister,  and  were  given  the  promise 
that  they  would  be  cared  for  as  soon  as  possible. 

III. 

The  congregations  of  Upper  and  Lower  Tulpehocken,  Hei- 
delberg, and  Swatara,  where  Do.  Hendel  was  formerly 
located,  also  request  a  minister;  whereupon  it  was  resolved 
that  the  said  congregations  might  call  a  minister  of  the  Rev- 
erend Coetus,  and  that  if  none  of  the  ministers  could  decide 
to  accept  such  call,  the  congregations  should  be  supplied  with 
a  minister  as  soon  as  one  comes  over  from  Holland. 

IV. 

The  congregations  of  Amwell,  Rockaway,  Valley  and  Fox- 
hill,  in  New  Jersey  (of  which  the  first  was  formerly  served 
by  Do.  Neveling,  and  the  others  by  Do.  Dallicker,  but  are  now 
combined  with  each  other),  have  called  Do.  Wack  as  their 
pastor;  but  since  Do.  Wack  has  declined  the  call,  these  con- 
gregations are  promised  that  their  supply  will  be  attended  to. 

V. 

The  congregations  of  Worcester,  AVitpen  and  New  Provi- 


EECOBDS  OF  1784.  3g9 

dence  requested  to  have  Do.  W^Tickliaus  as  their  pastor. 
This  John  Herman  Wynckhaus  was  born  at  Altena,  in  the 
County  of  Mark,  ministered  for  two  years  to  the  congrega- 
tion of  Berchum,  in  the  County  of  Limburg,  and  is  provided 
with  the  most  praiseworthy  testimonials,  from  the  University 
as  well  as  from  the  Honorable  Convention,  and  from  that 
congregation.  Hence,  although  said  Do.  Wynckhaus  was  not 
sent  by  the  Eeverend  Fathers,  we  ask  the  Reverend  Fathers 
that  Do.  WjTickhaus  be  considered  a  member  of  our  Coetus. 
Meantime,  consent  was  given  that  Do.  Yv'ynckhaus  should 
minister  to  the  congregations  named  above  until  we  shall  have 
received  a  reply  from  you. 

YI. 

The  congregations  of  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen,  and 
Great  Sv\-amp,  request  ]Mr.  Frederick  AYilliam  Van  der  Sloot 
for  their  pastor.  This  Mr.  Yan  der  Sloot  was  born  in  Anhalt- 
Zerbst,  and,  according  to  his  testimonials,  has  preached  fre- 
quently, as  candidate  of  theology,  in  the  Cathedral  of  Berlin. 
For  two  and  a  half  years  he  acted  as  Inspector  in  the  Joa- 
chimsthal  Gymnasium.  As  his  other  circumstances  are  the 
same  as  those  of  Do.  AYynckhaus,  mentioned  in  the  previous 
article,  the  same  action  was  taken  regarding  him:  that  he 
shall  minister  to  the  said  congregations  until  we  have  ascer- 
tained the  opinion  of  the  Reverend  Fathers. 

YII. 

The  congregations  in  Allen  township  and  Lehigh  to^vnship 
(where  Do.  Steiner  formerly  preached)  have  made  out  a  call, 
and  presented  it,  for  Do.  Gobrecht,  who  is  at  liberty  to  accept 
this  call.  But  in  case  Do.  Gobrecht  should  not  accept  it,  these 
congregations  Avill  be  provided  for  as  soon  as  new  ministers 
arrive. 

YIII. 

The  congregation  in  Reading  has  called  Do.  Henop ;  and 
if  Do.  Henop  accepts  this  call,  the  congregations  in  Frederick, 
made  vacant  thereby,  will  be  permitted  to  call  a  minister  of 
the  Coetus.  and  any  minister  thus  called  may  accept  the  cal]. 


390  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

SESSION   II.      MAY    13,   A.   M. 

IX. 

Members  of  the  congregations  in  Lebanon  and  the  Hill 
Church  presented  various  complaints  against  their  pastor, 
Do.  Runckel;  among  others,  ^is:  that  Do.  Runckel,  at  the 
preparatory  service  before  the  Lord's  Supper,  examined  and 
tested  the  members  of  the  church  separately,  two  by  two. 
The  opinion  of  the  Coetus  regarding  this  is :  that  although  it 
is  necessary  that  a  minister  have  knowledge  of  the  standing 
of  the  members  of  his  church,  yet,  in  order  to  obtain  this,  such 
methods  shall  be  used  by  which  he  may  expect  to  produce 
good  results. 

X. 

From  the  two  congregations  in  Baltimore,  of  one  of  which 
Do.  Otterbein  is  pastor,  of  the  other  Do.  Pomp,  several  com- 
plaints were  presented  of  the  one  against  the  other.  The 
question  was  raised  whether  these  two  congregations  shall 
remain  in  their  present  condition,  or  be  combined.  The  reso- 
lution of  Coetus  was  to  the  effect  that  these  two  congrega- 
tions, so  long  as  they  adhere  to  the  teachings  and  customs  of 
the  Reformed  Church,  will  be  regarded  as  [separate]  congre- 
gations belonging  to  Coetus,  because  no  union  can  be  expected. 

XL 

Mr.  Cyriacus  Spangenberg,  of  Reidemeister,  who  last  year 
requested  to  be  ordained  and  to  be  admitted  to  the  ministry, 
presented  at  this  time  also  the  same  request  to  Coetus,  where- 
upon, after  deliberation,  it  was  resolved  to  await  the  answer 
of  the  Reverend  Fathers. 

Resolved,  That  our  next  meeting  of  Coetus  convene  on  the 
second  Wednesday  before  Ascension  Day  in  Reading. 

Frederick  L.  Henop,  Pres.  p.  t. 
Abraham  Blumer,  Sec.  p.  t* 

*  The  Harbaugh  copy  is  signed  by  all  the  ministers  and  nine  elders 
present. 


BECOBDS  OF  1784. 


391 


Statistics  of  the  Eeformed  Congregations  Belonging  to  the  Coetus 
OF  Pennsylvania  from  May  14,  1783,  to  May  12,  1784. 


Pastors. 


F.  L.  Henop    . 

C.  Weyberg  .  . 
A.  Helfenstein 

S.  Dubbendorff 

N.  Pomp  .  .    - 

J.  H.  Hellfrich 


Wm.  Eunckel 

J.  Weymer  .    . 

Fr.  Dallicker  . 
J.  Th.  Faber  . 

Chr.  Gobrecbt 

Wm.  Hendel  . 
D.  Wagner  .    . 

C.  Wack  .    .    , 
A.  Blumer  .    . 


Congregations. 


Frederick  .    •    . 

Middletown , 

Glade 

Philadelphia 

Germantown 

Lykens  Valley 

Schwaben  Creek 

Baltimore 

Maxatawny 

Lowhill 

Upper  Milford  ...... 

Salzburg 

Lebanon  .  .        ...... 

Kamerling's 

Jones's 

Hill  Church 

Donegal 

Rapho  

Manheim 

White  Oaks 

Elizabethtown  in  Maryland, 
and  three  country  con- 
gregations. Period  cov- 
ered is  two  years  .    . 

Falkner  Swamp    .    .    . 

Vincent      .-,... 

From  Spring  to  May  10 

Tohickon '\ 

Indianfield >- 

Trumbauer's j 

Hanover ] 

Abbotstown I 

Jacobs  Church { 

Lischys  Church  .......  J 

Lancaster 

York 

Lower  Saucon \ 

Springfield j 

Northampton .      .    .    ,    .    .  ^ 

Jordan  

Schlosser's  Church 

Egypt 


\] 


V:\ 


i 
"a 

1 

CO 

1 

GQ 

152 

76 

27 

3 

170 

68 

^ 

180 

47 

26 

1 

36 

41 

100 

24 

21 

1 

140 

82 

58 

4 

151 

90 

72 

•  • 

173 

103 

93 

3 

130 

7 

3 

200 

65 

31 

135 

43 

35 

162 

63 

41 

2 

75 

29 

40 

170 

60 

34 

143 

105 

37 

4 

102 
120 

50 
160 


98 


80 


35 


74 


116 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1784. 
(Acts  of  Depp.  32,  Vol.  XIV,  p.  390,  f.) 

Very  Eeverend,  Very  Learned,  Much  Esteemed  Fathers: 

We  herewith  transmit  to  you  the  accompanying  Acts  of  our  Coetus, 
held  the  12th  and  13th  of  May,  of  this  current  year,  in  Lancaster,  and 
request  your  opinion  on  the  resolutions  which  we  have  adopted.  At  the 
same  time  we  have  the  honor  respectfully  to  answer  your  Eeverences' 
esteemed  letter,  dated  Amsterdam,  May  5,  1783. 

The  Eeverend  Fathers  desire  to  know  the  names  of  the  congregations 
of  the  deceased  Do.  Bucher,  and  of  Do.  Gobrecht.  To  this  we  reply  that 
Do.  Bucher 's  congregations  are  the  same  as  those  served  at  present  by 
Do.  Eunckel,  which  are  mentioned  in  the  enclosed  statistics.  The  pres- 
ent congregations  of  Do.  Gobrecht  are  likewise  found  in  the  statistics, 
and  his  former  congregations  are  mentioned  in  the  Minutes  as  vacant. 

The  draft  for  450  fl.  of  December  5,  1778,  concerning  whose  payment 
you  expect  information,  has  not  yet  been  paid. 

The  Eeverend  Fathers  state  that  they  desire  to  receive  an  accurate 
report  of  the  state  of  the  congregations  and  to  obtain  the  opinion  of 
Coetus  as  to  what  can  be  done  for  their  best  interests. 

They  will  be  kind  enough  to  observe  the  present  state  of  the  congre- 
gations from  the  Minutes  themselves.  Besides  the  calls  mentioned  in 
the  Minutes,  paragraphs  2,  3,  4,  7,  and  8,  another  call  was  presented, 
after  the  close  of  the  Coetus,  from  the  congregations  in  Xew  Jersey, 
Nolton,  Hartwick  and  Newton.  There  are  many  vacant  places  here, 
but  few  laborers.  And  even  if  one  or  another  member  of  Coetus  may 
accept  a  vacant  congregation,  his  former  congregations  thereby  become 
vacant ;  and  thus  the  Church  in  general  is  by  no  means  advanced ;  where- 
fore we  are  greatly  in  need  of  several  good  and  faithful  ministers. 

As  sad  experience  has  often  taught  us,  that  among  those  who  offer 
themselves  for  service  in  Pennsylvania  many  a  one  fails,  it  is  the  opinion 
of  most  members  of  the  Coetus  that  it  would  be  most  advantageous  to 
the  Church  if  young  men  could  be  prepared  and  qualified  for  the  ministry 
here  in  this  country.  However,  to  establish  a  school,  in  which  the  sala- 
ries of  at  least  three  professors  would  have  to  be  paid,  is  at  present  be- 
yond our  power,  if  we  are  not  assisted  by  generous  and  loving  support 
from  outside. 

To  paragraph  six,  in  which  your  Eeverences  ask  if  it  would  not  be 
better  that  pastors  and  churches  remained  together  a  longer  time,  we 
reply  that  as  every  congregation  of  the  Coetus  has  the  liberty  to  call  a 
minister,  so  every  minister  has  the  liberty  to  accept  a  call,  especially 
when  he  can  hope  to  do  more  good  in  his  new  congregation  than  in  the 
former.  It  must  also  be  remembered  in  this  connection  that  several 
congregations,  on  account  of  their  great  extent,  are,  in  the  highest  de- 

(392) 


BECOBDS  OF  1784.  393 

gree,  difficult  to  serve,  and  a  person  -^ho  is  othenvise  of  good  bodily 
constitution  becomes  old  and  weali  by  constant  traveling,  and  therefore 
accepts  -with  gladness  a  less  laborious  ministry.  Moreover,  many  of  us 
have  been  settled  in  our  congregations  for  many  years,  and  some  of  us 
are  yet  in  our  first  congregations. 

"We  close  -with  a  cordial  expression  of  thanks  for  your  great  affection 
and  active  charity  evinced  toward  the  Pennsylvania  churches  and  our- 
selves. May  the  Lord  be  your  reward  and  portion  for  this!  "We  com- 
mend ourselves  and  our  churches  to  your  further  paternal  remembrance, 
and  always  remain,  with  dutiful  esteem, 

"Very  E-everend  Sirs  and  Fathers, 

Your  Eeverences'  most  devoted  servants, 

Frederick  L.  Henop,  Pres.  p.  t. 
Abraham  Blumer,  Sec,  p.  t. 
Lancastee,  May  IS,  1784, 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1785. 
(Hague  92,  B.  136;  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  66.) 

MINUTES  OF  THE   COETUS  OP  PENNSYLVANIA,   HELD  IN  READING, 

APRIL  27th  and  28th,  1785. 
Present. 

Blumer,  p.  t.  President ,  Gobrecht,  Hanover, 

Northampton,  Weymer,  Hagersto^vn, 

J.  H.  Helffrich,  p.  t.  Secre-         Waldschmidt,  Cocalico, 
tary,  Maxata^vny,  Wack,  Saucon, 

Weyberg,  Pliiladelpliia,  Wagner,  York, 

W.  Hendel,  Lancaster,  Runckel,  Frederick, 

Dallicker,  Falkner  Swamp,         Loretz,  Tulpehocken, 

Faber,  Tohickon,  Willy,  Reading. 

Ingold,  Easton,  Pernisius,  Lehigh. 

These  ministers  are  all  members  of  Coetus. 

Herman  Winckhaus  at  Worcester,  concerning  whom  see 
Art.  XL 

Absent. 

Pomp,  Baltimore,  on  account  of  important  business. 

Otterbein,  Baltimore,  on  account  of  a  journey  to  Virginia. 

Helffenstein,  Germantown,  on  account  of  sudden  sickness. 

Dubbendorff,  Lykens  Valley,  did  not  send  an  excuse. 

Weber,  Pittsburg,  probably  on  account  of  the  great  dis- 
tance. 

The  following  ministers  have  accepted  calls  from  other 
congregations : 

Frederick  Henop,  w^ho  served  Frederick,  accepted  a  call 
from  Reading.  When  he  intended  to  go  to  Reading,  in  the 
latter  part  of  October  of  last  year,  the  Lord  of  life  and  death 
placed  him  on  a  sick  bed  and,  to  the  greatest  regret  of  our- 
selves and  the  congregation  of  Reading,  called  this  most 
worthy  man  from  time  into  that  endless  eternity,  where,  as 
we  hope,  he  now  enjoys  the  reward  of  faithful  ministers. 

William  Runckel,  who  was  in  Lebanon,  accepted  a  call  from 
Frederick. 

(394) 


BE  COEDS  OF  1785.  395 

Peter  Paul  Pernisius  was  directed  by  the  Coetus  to  the 
congregations  across  the  Lehigh. 

Andrew  Loretz  was  directed  to  the  congregation  in  Tul- 
pehocken. 

Bernhard  "Willy  accepted  a  call  from  Reading. 

At  10  A.  M.  ministers  and  elders  went  into  the  church, 
where  the  Secretary,  Do.  Blumer,  delivered  a  profound  ser- 
mon, well  suited  to  the  occasion,  on  1  Tim.  i.  18,  19.  After 
the  service.  Do.  Blumer  was  elected  President,  and  J.  H. 
Helffrich,  Secretary. 

SESSION    I.      2   P.   M. 

Article  I. 
The  Coetal  meeting  was  opened  with  a  very  earnest  prayer 
by  the  President.  Then  he  asked,  as  usual,  each  of  the  min- 
isters present  concerning  his  official  work,  the  external  and 
internal  condition  of  the  congregations.  They  all  agreed  in 
their  reports  that,  trusting  to  the  grace  of  God,  they  strove 
diligently  to  be  faithful  in  their  office  by  preaching  and  cate- 
chizing, and  that  here  and  there  they  saw  fruits  of  their 
labor.  Even  the  external  condition  of  the  congregations 
warrants  the  best  hope.  They  all  wish  that  the  Lord  may 
give  more  and  more  increase  to  their  planting  and  watering. 

Article  II. 

The  congregations,  Worcester,  Witpen  and  New  Provi- 
dence, presented  a  call  for  Do.  Winckhaus,  concerning  whom 
see  Art.  V  of  last  year's  Minutes.  They  desired  that  this 
call  might  be  accepted  and  confirmed  by  the  Reverend  Coetus. 

Resolved:  Because  this  matter  was  reported  to  the  Rev- 
erend Fathers  in  last  year 's  Minutes,  but  as  yet  no  answer  has 
been  received,  therefore  the  matter  remain  in  statu  quo  [in 
its  present  state].* 

Article  III. 

The  congregation  in  Reading  presented  a  call  to  the  Rev- 
erend Coetus  for  Do.  Willy,  and  requested  that  the  Reverend 
Coetus  might  accept  it  and  confirm  it.     Likewise  the  congre- 

*  The  Harbaugh  copy  states  more  clearly  that  the  call  could  not  be 
confirmed. 


396  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

gations  in  Tulpehocken,  Swatara  and  Heidelberg  asked  for 
the  acceptance  and  confirmation  of  their  call  to  Do.  Loretz. 

Resolved :  The  confirmation  of  the  two  calls  shall  take  place 
at  the  next  meeting  of  Coetus,  after  the  circumstances  have 
been  investigated. 

Article  IV. 

As  the  congregations  in  Allen,  Lehigh  and  Moor  townships 
asked  the  Reverend  Coetus  for  a  minister,  Do.  Pernisius  was 
proposed  to  them,  and  at  once  went  to  these  congregations. 

SESSION  II.     9  A.  M. 
Article  V. 

The  congregations  in  Cocalico,  Muddy  Creek,  Seltenreich, 
and  Reyer's  Church  again  asked  the  Reverend  Coetus  for  a 
minister.     They  shall  be  supplied  as  soon  as  possible.** 

Article  VI. 

The  congregations  in  Lebanon  and  the  Hill  Church,  which 
were  formerly  served  by  Do.  Runckel,  asked  again  to  be 
served  by  a  minister  of  the  Coetus. 

Resolved:  For  the  time  being,  Do.  Loretz  shall  serve  the 
congregations  in  Lebanon  and  Tulpehocken,  until  they  can 
be  supplied. 

Article  VII. 

The  congregations  in  Carlisle  and  Lower  Settlement  had 
given  a  call  to  Do.  Dubbendorff.  As  Do.  Dubbendorff  had 
not  accepted  the  call,  they  asked  for  another  member  of  the 
Coetus  as  their  minister. 

Resolved:  The  congregations  shall  be  allowed  to  extend  a 
call  to  another  minister  of  the  Coetus,  who  shall  have  the 
liberty  to  accept  the  call.  But  if  none  shall  accept  the  call, 
they  shall  be  served  by  the  neighboring  ministers. 

Article  VIII. 
A  proselyte,  Mr.  Chitara,  a  former  Augustinian  monk,  ap- 

**  The  Harbaugh  copy  reads:  "As  it  is  very  necessary  that  they  be 
supplied  with  a  minister,  it  was  resolved  that  the  first  minister  who 
arrives  shall  be  assigned  to  them. ' ' 


BECOBDS  OF  1785.  397 

peared  before  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  requested  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  the  service  of  the  Church. 

Resolved:  Since  Mr.  Chitara  possesses  the  best  testimon- 
ials, and  seems  to  have  faithful  and  honest  intentions,  it  was 
deemed  necessary  to  help  him  in  every  way.  To  this  end  it 
was  resolved  that  Mr.  Chitara  shall  remain  for  a  time  with  a 
minister,  who  shall  instruct  him  in  those  things  requisite  for 
a  minister  to  know,  so  that  he  may  be  of  greater  use  in  the 
service  of  the  Church,  and,  if  deemed  advisable,  may  be 
ordained.  This  instruction  and  direction  Do.  Hendel  under- 
took to  give  him. 

Article  IX. 

The  question  was  put,  when  and  where  the  next  meeting 
of  Coetus  should  be  held. 

Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  held  on  the  second  "Wednesday 
before  Ascension  Day,  in  Philadelphia.* 

Appendix. 

1.  As  was  stated  in  Art.  VI  of  last  year's  Minutes,  Fred. 
Wm.  Van  der  Sloot  preached  at  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen 
and  Great  Swamp.  The  former  two  congregations  have  now 
locked  the  church  against  him  on  account  of  a  very  disgrace- 
ful and  unlawful  act;  but  the  latter  congregation,  namely, 
Great  Swamp,  still  allows  him  to  preach. 

2.  Cyriacus  Spangenberg  von  Reidemeister,  who  twice  be- 
fore asked  for  examination  and  ordination  (see  Minutes  of 
1783,  Art.  Y,  and  Minutes  of  1784,  Art.  XI),  but  whose  re- 
quest was  refused  on  account  of  his  bad  character,  caused 
himself  to  be  ordained,  on  recommendation  and  intercession 
of  his  cousin  Dubbendorff,  by  a  careless  and  bad  minister 
named  Philip  Jacob  Michael.  Spangenberg  preached  to  some 
congregations  in  Shamokin.  He  likewise  intended  to  do  the 
same  as  Van  der  Sloot.  He  also  had  a  wife  in  Germany  and 
intended  to  marry  another  wife  here.  But  on  the  day  pre- 
ceding his  intended  wedding,  a  letter  of  his  wife  from  Europe 
came  to  light,  and  thus  prevented  him  from  carrying  out  his 

*  The  Harbaiigli  copy  adds :  ' '  Besolved,  That  each  minister  shall  an- 
nounce several  times  to  his  congregations,  that  any  one  who  moves  into 
another  neighborhood  must  have  a  certificate  from  his  minister." 


398  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

design.  Through  this  act  Spangenberg  drew  upon  himself 
the  just  hatred  and  disgust  of  all  sincere  souls,  who  even  be- 
fore thought  little  or  nothing  of  him. 

A  man  by  the  name  of  Roth  appeared  before  the  Reverend 
Coetus  and  desired  to  be  ordained  and  received  into  our 
brotherhood  (as  he  stated).  But  he  showed,  both  by  his 
words  and  in  writing,  that  he  cared  only  for  the  honor  and 
the  support.  He  was  earnestly  admonished  to  desist  from  his 
intention,  which  would  result  in  the  ruin  of  himself  and  his 
congregations. 

There  are  still  several  of  this  stamp  in  the  land,  who  secure 
some  followers  in  the  congregations,  and  thereby  bring  about 
confusion  and  separation. 

May  the  King  and  Lord  of  His  Church  free  His  Church 
more  and  more  from  such  hirelings,  and  in  their  stead  send 
faithful  servants  into  his  harvest !     Amen. 

A.  Blumer,  p.  t.  Pres. 

J.  H.  Helffrich,  p.  t.  Sec* 

*  The  Harbaugh  copy  is  signed  by  sixteen  ministers  and  twelve  elders. 


BECOBDS  OF  1785. 


399 


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COETAL  LETTER  OF  1785. 
(Hague  92,  B.  136.) 

Most  Beverend,  Most  Learned,  and  Most  Esteemed  Fathers  in  Christ: 

lu  the  enclosed  Minutes  of  our  Coetal  meeting  held  in  Reading,  April 
27th  and  28th,  1785,  the  Reverend  Fathers  will  please  note  the  condition 
of  the  Reformed  Church  in  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland.  We  desire 
that  the  transactions  contained  therein  may  meet  with  your  approval. 

We  received,  in  the  month  of  June,  1784,  the  letter  of  the  Most  Rev- 
erend Chassis  of  Amsterdam,  dated  December  6th,  1783,  together  with 
the  enclosed  draft  of  200  fl.,  of  which  100  fl.  were  sent  by  the  Most 
Reverend  Deputies  of  South  and  North  Holland,  and  100  fl.  by  the  Most 
Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  intended  for  Do.  Dubbendorfif  and  Do. 
Boehm.  According  to  the  desire  of  the  Reverend  Fathers,  we  paid 
100  fl.  to  Do.  Dubbendorff  and  100  fl.,  since  Do.  Boehm  had  died  in  the 
meantime,  to  his  widow. 

We  received  with  the  greatest  pleasure  a  letter  of  the  Most  Reverend 
Deputies  of  both  Synods,  dated  Berkel,  May  21st,  1784,  and  also  letters 
from  the  Most  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  dated  June  22d  and  23d, 
1784,  together  with  an  enclosed  draft  of  600  fl.,  of  which  200  fl.  were 
sent  by  the  Most  Reverend  Deputies  of  South  Holland  and  200  fl.  by  the 
Most  Reverend  Classis  of  Amsterdam,  for  our  Widows '  Fund,  and  200  fl. 
by  the  Most  Reverend  Classis  for  Do.  Dubbendorff  and  Do.  Boehm.  The 
100  fl.  intended  for  Do.  Dubbendorff  were  sent  to  the  latter  by  Do. 
Hendel.  Since  the  widow  of  Do.  Boehm  had  again  married,  this  money 
was  used,  together  with  33  fl.  12  st.  [stuivers]  (which  we  took  from  the 
money  intended  for  our  Widows'  Fund),  to  defray  the  passage  of  Do. 
P.  P.  Pernisius,  who,  on  his  arrival  with  his  daughter,  after  a  long  and 
tedious  voyage,  still  owed  138  fl.  12  st.  for  his  passage.  Immediately 
after  his  arrival  in  Philadelphia,  Do.  Pernisius  was  sent  to  the  congre- 
gations in  New  Jersey.  But  he  was  with  these  congregations  only  a 
very  short  time.  Then  they  brought  him  back  to  Philadelphia,  for  what 
causes  we  do  not  yet  know,  presumably  because  he  was  too  old  for  them. 
We,  therefore,  recommended  him  to  the  congregations  in  Lebanon,  where 
he  would  have  beciome  the  neighbor  of  Dos.  Loretz  and  Willy,  but  these 
congregations  likewise  did  not  want  him.  By  a  great  deal  of  persuasion, 
we  prevailed  upon  the  Lehigh  congregations  to  accept  him.  We  do  not 
know  how  long  he  will  stay  there,  but  we  hope  for  the  best.  Since  very 
few  of  the  ministers,  on  their  arrival  in  this  country,  receive  a  special 
gift  from  their  congregations  (the  members  of  the  congregations  being 
often  themselves  in  want  of  the  most  necessary  things),  we  could  not 
obtain  anything  for  Do.  Pernisius. 

We  exnrosH  to  the  Reverend  Fathers  our  most  bounden  and  dutiful 
thanks  for  their  kind,  charitable  gifts  and  rich  contribution,  whereby 
our  Fund  was  ancAV  replenished,  it  having  become  very  weak  by  the  loss 
of  the  Continental  money  and  by  gifts  to  several  widows.  We  were  en- 
couraged, by  your  kindness,  to  maintain  our  Fund  by  our  contributions, 
hoping  that  in  future,  also,  liberal  hearts  will  kindly  support  us.  May 
the  God  of  rich  blessing  recompense  you  for  your  charitable  gifts! 

(402) 


EE COEDS  OF  1785.  403 

We  should  like  very  much  to  send  you  the  statistics  arranged  as  de- 
sired by  you,  because  it  is  necessary  for  the  reasons  enumerated  in  your 
esteemed  letter.  Yet  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  do  so,  for  the  foUovdng 
reasons : 

J)uring  the  war  the  members  of  the  congregations  no  longer  sub- 
scribed wh8.t  they  intended  to  give,  at  the  end  of  the  year,  towards  the 
support  of  their  pastors,  for  the  current  paper  money  or  credit-bills  de- 
creased in  value  from  day  to  day;  and  even  now  the  subscribing  is 
omitted  by  most  of  the  cougregntions,  so  that  the  majority  of  the  min- 
isters have  no  fixed  salary,  much  less  a  stable  salary;  and  even  when  the 
salary  is  fixed  annually,  the  minister  cannot  depend  on  it,  for  members 
often  move  away  in  the  midst  of  a  year,  or  at  the  end  of  it,  without 
paying  what  they  promised,  and  those  who  occupy  their  places  [houses 
or  farms]  are  either  adherents  of  another  denomination  or  want  to  hear 
the  minister  a  year  before  they  are  willing  to  pay  anything  towards  his 
support.  Many  members  are  not  willing,  many  are  not  able,  to  pay  the 
money  which  they  promised,  and  to  compel  them  by  the  law  is  not  fitting 
for  a  minister.  Likewise,  the  salary  is  not  paid  at  one  time.  Many 
ministers  must  often  wait  a  whole  year,  and  even  longer,  until  the 
salary  due  them  is  received.  Therefore  only  few  ministers  can  give  the 
definite  amount  of  their  salary  unless  they  keep  an  account  of  every 
pound  and  shilling  as  they  receive  them.  Just  as  little  can  the  expen- 
ditures be  stated  exactly,  since  the  ministers  have  to  pay  out  the  money 
as  soon  as  they  receive  it.  Many  ministers  must  shape  their  expenses 
according  to  their  income,  if  they  have  not  received  any  property  through 
marriage.  The  price  of  imported  goods,  and  also  the  price  of  the 
products  of  the  country,  change  almost  every  week,  and  this  renders  the 
daily  expenses  uncertain.  Some  ministers  live  on  their  own  property, 
obtained  by  marriage,  but  others  dwell  in  parsonages. 

For  several  years  we  have  seriously  considered  a  subject  of  great  im- 
portance for  our  Church  in  this  country.  But  we  are  very  much  in  want 
of  strength  and  power  to  realize  this  work.  We  take  the  liberty  to  bring 
to  your  notice  the  matter  itself,  and  the  different  motives  which  led  us 
to  such  thoughts.     We  obediently  ask  for  your  opinion. 

The  matter  which  weighs  upon  us  is,  as  was  also  mentioned  in  the 
letters  sent  last  year  to  the  Eeverend  Fathers,  the  establishment  of  a 
school  in  the  central  part  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  in  which  young 
men  might  be  prepared  for  the  ministry.  The  motives  which  led  us  to 
such  thoughts  are  as  follows: 

1.  Although  the  Eeverend  Fathers  in  sending  the  ministers  not  only 
have  great  trouble,  but  also  great  expense,  yet  some  of  the  ministers 
prove  failures,  either  by  bringing  a  stain  with  them,  or  because  they 
cannot  accommodate  themselves  to  the  ways  of  this  country,  and  thus 
the  traveling  expenses  which,  by  the  great  kindness  of  the  Reverend 
Fathers,  they  receive,  do  not  quite  answer  the  full  purpose  for  which 
they  were  given. 

2.  Many  young  men  in  this  country,  who  have  great  ability,  would 
like  to  devote  themselves  to  the  service  of  the  Church,  if  they  only  had 
an  opportunity,  and  many  inhabitants  have  for  some  time  had  a  greater 


404  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

confidence  in  natives  than  in  foreigners  who  just  arrived,  because  they 
have  several  times  fared  badly. 

3.  The  English,  who  are  here,  are  now  establishing  a  second  school  in 
Carlisle,  for  which  purpose  they,  at  our  last  Coetus,  desired  our  assist- 
ance, and  also  some  Reformed  teachers.  Since  we  had  reasons  to  fear 
that  this  might  tend  to  suppress  the  German  language,  and  even  our 
nationality,  and  might  be  to  the  disadvantage  of  our  religion,  for  they 
might  accept  a  Reformed  teacher  only  aa  a  matter  of  form,  we  excused 
ourselves  on  the  ground  of  our  inability.  We  fear  that  they  will  soon 
establish  the  third  school  in  the  border  regions,  for  they  do  not  lack 
support  from  their  nation. 

However  humbly  we  may  begin  this  work,  which  in  our  judgment  is 
so  necessary  and  useful  for  our  religion  and  language,  yet  two  teachers 
are  required,  whose  salary  is  far  beyond  our  ability  if  we  are  not  gen- 
erously supported  by  contributions  from  the  outside. 

This  project  does  not  at  all  aim  at  our  separation  from  the  Reverend 
Fathers.  This  would  not  only  be  the  basest  ingratitude,  but  also  the 
greatest  folly;  ingratitude  with  respect  to  the  many  benefits  received, 
folly  because  of  the  benefits  which  we  still  hope  for.  We  commit  this 
project  to  the  wise  and  deep  insight  of  the  Reverend  Fathers,  and  obe- 
diently ask  your  opinion  in  this  matter. 

We  cannot  help  believe  that  in  this  way  your  kind  gifts  would  be  em- 
ployed to  greater  and  larger  advantage  for  the  Reformed  Church  in  this 
country,  since  the  Reverend  Fathers  do  not  tire  in  doing  good  unto  us 
and  our  congregations. 

For  several  years  Coetus  has  not  received  any  request  for  Dutch  min- 
isters. 

In  a  letter  by  his  Reverence,  Dr.  Kessler,  dated  Amsterdam,  October 
5th,  1784,  the  Reverend  Fathers  desire  of  us  the  two  other  drafts  of 
450  fl.  which  are  not  yet  paid.  We  can  assure  the  Reverend  Fathers 
that  they  have  not  yet  been  received  by  us;  if  they  should  be  discovered, 
we  wiU  return  them  immediately. 

May  the  God  of  peace,  who  can  govern  the  hearts  of  kings  according 
to  His  will,  incline  to  peace  the  hearts  of  those  who  are  inflamed  with 
war  against  the  United  Netherlands!  May  Almighty  God,  who  in  for- 
mer years  saved  this  country  from  the  hands  of  its  enemies,  also  now, 
and  at  all  times,  be  a  fiery  wall  around  this  country  and  its  inhabitants, 
so  that  no  enemy  may  harm  them!  May  He  preserve  them  as  the  apple 
of  His  eye!  May  He  protect  them  under  the  shadow  of  His  wings! 
May  he  preserve  their  liberty  and  allow  their  commerce  to  flourish  in  all 
parts  of  the  world!  May  the  kind  God  take  the  Reverend  Fathers  and 
their  dearest  families  under  His  fatherly  protection  and  attend  their 
ministry  with  much  blessing! 

We  commend  ourselves  and  our  congregations  to  your  fatherly  care, 
and  remain,  with  perfect  esteem, 

Most  Reverend,  Most  Learned,  and  Most  Esteemed  Fathers, 
Your  obedient  servants, 

Abraham  Blumer,  Pres.  p.  t. 
John  Henry  Helfprich,  Sec.  p.  t. 

Reading,  April  SOth,  1785. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1786. 
(Hague  92,  B.  141;  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  74.) 

MINUTES   OF    THE    COETUS   OF   PENNSYLVANIA,    HELD    MAY    17tH 
AND    18tH,    1786,    IN    PHILADELPHIA. 

In  the  presence  of  Dos. : 

John  Henry  Helffrich,  Daniel  Wagner, 

p.  t.  President,  Abraham  Blumer, 

Frederick  Dellicker,  Nicholas  Pomp, 

Caspar  Weyberg,  Albert  Helffenstein, 

William  Runckel,  Caspar  Wack, 

William  Hendel,  John   Herman  Winckhaus. 

P.  Paul  Pernisius, 

Ministers  absent  and  excused: 

Do.  Gobrecht,  in  Hanover,  on  account  of  age  and  infirmity. 

Do.  Weber,  in  Pittsburg,  probably  on  account  of  the  too 
great  distance. 

Do.  Dubbendorff,  in  Lykens  Valley,  probably  on  account  of 
too  great  distance. 

Also  absent,  without  giving  reasons  therefor: 
Do.  Ingold,  in  Easton,  Do.  Faber,   in   New   Goshen- 

Waldschmidt,  in  Cocalico,  hoppen, 

Otterbein,  in  Baltimore,  Weymer,  in  Hagerstown. 

Changes  in  location  of  some  of  the  ministers  since  the  last 
Coetus,  held  in  Reading: 

J.  Theobald  Faber  left  Indianfield,  Tohickon  and  Trum- 
bauer's  Church,  and  has  accepted  his  former  congregations 
of  Old  Goshenhoppen,  New  Goshenhoppen  and  Great  Swamp. 

Do.  Wack,  after  several  calls  (as  may  be  seen  from  Art.  IV 
of  the  Minutes  of  1784),  accepted  the  congregations  Rock- 
away,  Valley  and  Foxhill,  in  New  Jersey,  and  consequently 
left  Saucon  and  Springfield. 

After  the  meeting  of  Coetus  had  been  opened,  as  usual,  at 
10  o'clock  in  the  morning,  by  Do.  Helffrich,  as  President, 
with  an  excellent  analysis,  exposition,  and  application  of  the 
words  of  St.  Paul,  2  Cor.  iii.  2,  3,  the  session  was  begun  at 
2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  by  the  reverend  President,  with 

(405) 


406  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

prayer  for  the  indispensable  assistance  of  the  Lord  and  for 
the  blessed  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Article  I. 

The  response  or  answer  of  the  ministers  to  the  customary 
questions  concerning  the  progress  of  the  gospel  ministry  in- 
dicated a  condition  of  an  alarming  standstill.  In  general,  it 
is  to  be  observed  that  the  blessing  of  peace  has  rather  been 
attended  with  the  sad  consequences  of  display  in  dress,  de- 
bauchery and  luxury,  than  with  gratitude  and  humble  recog- 
nition of  the  wonders  God  has  done  for  us.  If  America  were 
satisfied  with  the  home-made  clothing  and  the  moderation 
which,  because  of  want,  were  necessary  during  the  times  of 
the  so-called  Continental,  or  late  war,  how  happy  it  would  be ! 
But  now  there  are  few,  very  few,  who  do  not  live  above  their 
stations,  so  that  a  stranger  on  Sundays,  or  festival  days,  can- 
not possibly  tell  whom  he  meets.  The  faithful  minister,  with 
silent  tears,  grieves  over  hearts  possessed  of  such  extravagant 
pride,  for  all  his  remonstrances  are  in  vain. 

Article  II. 

Several  pastorless  congregations  reported  to  the  Coetus, 
in  order  to  be  again  supplied,  namely,  Reading,  Tulpehocken, 
Lower  Saucon  and  Springfield,  and  also  Indianfield,  Tohickon, 
and  the  congregation  of  Trumbauer's.  The  right,  introduced 
among  us  some  time  ago,  was  granted  to  all,  to  call  any  min- 
ister of  the  Coetus  who  might  be  willing  to  accept  their  call. 
Reading  must  especially  be  cared  for,  since  this  county-seat 
has  been  so  unfortunate  in  having  bad  ministers  for  more 
than  twenty  years. 

Article  III. 

Bernard  Willy,  by  his  scandalous  behavior,  has  occasioned 
the  most  deplorable  confusion  at  Reading.  For  this  reason 
the  meeting  of  our  Coetus  in  Reading  did  not  confirm  his  call 
there.  The  protocol,  showing  the  conduct  of  the  unhappy 
Willv.  was  approved  by  the  entire  Coetus.  In  connection 
with  ^V'-  ease,  it  was  resolved  that  in  the  future  such,  and 
other,  offenses  shall  be  publicly  announced  before  the  Coetus 
for  information  and  warning. 

Article  IV. 

A  gentleman,  by  the  name  of  Philip  Pauli,  who  spent  his 


BE  COEDS  OF  1786.  407 

school  years  in  his  birth-place,  Magdeburg,  and  pursued  his 
subsequent  studies  at  Berlin,  in  the  Joachim  Gymnasium,  and 
later  studied  theology  in  the  University  of  Halle,  having  been 
compelled  to  come  to  America  by  reason  of  deaths,  which  hin- 
dered [his  studies],  because  of  sickness,  made  application  to 
us,  in  writing,  requesting  examination  and  ordination.  This 
gentleman  has  given  instruction  in  the  Latin  language  in  the 
Philadelphia  Academy  for  more  than  a  year  and  a  half,  and 
during  this  time  has  preached  very  acceptably  on  Sunday 
evenings,  as  was  testified  before  the  Coetus.  It  was,  there- 
fore, resolved  that  after  satisfactorily  passing  his  examina- 
tion, he  shall  be  ordained  in  the  congregation  that  will  call 
him,  which  will  probably  be  Reading.  We  hope  that  the 
Eeverend  Fathers  will  approve  our  action. 

Article  Y. 

Mr.  Chitera,  the  proselyte,  of  whom  Art.  VIII  of  the  Min- 
utes of  Coetus,  held  last  year,  in  Reading,  makes  mention, 
has,  in  accordance  with  said  article,  pursued  his  studies  for  a 
year,  partly  with  Do.  Hendel,  but  most  of  the  time  with  Do. 
Weyberg.  The  testimonials  sent  in  about  him  were  good. 
Consequently,  he  was  publicly  examined  by  the  majority  of 
our  ministers.  He  showed  a  good  and  well-founded  knowl- 
edge. Whereupon  it  was  resolved  that,  with  regard  to  ordi- 
nation, he  should  wait  another  year,  and  meanwhile  engage 
in  the  duties  of  a  pastor,  excepting  the  administration  of  the 
Sacraments,  under  the  supervision  of  a  minister  belonging  to 
this  Coetus.  We  have  supported  this  man,  so  destitute  of 
everything,  especially  because  of  the  recommendation  he 
brought  mth  him  from  Amsterdam,  and  have  given  him  in- 
struction, board  and  clothing,  which  has  cost  us  altogether 
£32.  3s.  As  our  salary  is  very  limited,  this  is  rather  hard  for 
us.  We  hope  and  expect,  from  the  well-known  kindness  of 
the  Reverend  Fathers,  relief  in  this  matter,  and  commend 
Mr.  Chitera  himself  to  your  favorable  care  and  support.  So 
far  as  we  know  him,  he  is  worthy  of  it. 

Article  VI. 

Finally,  it  was  resolved  to  hold  our  next  annual  Coetus  on 
the  second  AA^ednesday  before  Ascension  Day,  in  Lancaster. 
John  Henry  Helffrich,  Pres.  p.  t. 
Frederick  Dellicker,  Sec.  p.  t.* 

*  The  Harbaiigh  copy  is  signed  by  eleven  ministers  and  seven  elders. 


408 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Statistics  op  the  Reformed  Congregations  Belonging  to  the  Coetus 
OP  Pennsylvania  from  April  27,  1785,  to  May  17,  1786. 


Ministers. 


John  H.  Helfrich 


Fred.  Dellicker  .    . 

Caspar  Weyberg . 
Wm.   Hendel 
Albert  Helfenstein. 


A.  Blumer 


C.  Gobrecht    .    . 


Congregations. 


D.  Wagner  .    .    . 
P.  Paul  Pemisius 


Maxatawny . 
Heidelberg  . 
Lowhill    .    . 
Milford     .    . 
Macungie     . 
Weissenburg 
Falkner  Swamp 
Vincent 
Philadelphia 
Lancaster.    . 
Germantown 
Northampton 
Jordan  .   .    . 
Schlosser's  . 
Egypt       . 
Hanover 
Christ  Church 
Abbotstown 
Jacob's  Church 
Lischy's  Church 
I  Zion's  .    . 
i  David's    .    . 

.  I  York     .    .    . 

f  I  Lehigh     .    . 

I   ,  Indian  .    . 

I  ,  Moortownship 

t  '  Dryland    .    . 


i 

1 

1 

a 

216 

117 

84 

218 

102 

43 

*2000 
166 

183 
68 

61 
37 

180 

46 

12 

151 

89 

31 

165 

48 

85 

78 

45 

80 

— 

69 

42 

d    '   ^ 
CO    I   M 


4  I  146 


70 

120 
120 
100 


142 


135 


50 


State  of  Maryland. 


Nicholas  Pomp 
Wm.  Runkel  . 


Baltimore 
Frederick 


85     40|     22[     1  1     40 
102     641     46l     1       60 


State  of  New  Jersey. 


Caspar  Wack 


Valley  .  . 
Rockaway 
Foxhill     . 


;l 


Came   to  these  congrega- 
tions only  recently. 


*  Sittings. 

**  The  Harbaugh  copy  adds 


J.  Herman  Winkhaus  . 


\\'orcester  .  .  . 
Wit  pen  ... 
New  Providence 


;l 


126     37 


52 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1786. 

(Hague  92,  B.  142.) 

Very  Beverend,  Highly  Learned,  Especially  Much  Esteemed  Sirs  and 
Fathers  : 

The  particulars  which  we  have  the  honor  at  present  to  lay  before  you 
are  in  part  unpleasant,  very  unpleasant,  but  the  truth  must  be  sincerely 
adhered  to. 

1.  Mr.  Loretz,  pastor  at  Tulpehocken,  returned  to  his  fatherland  last 
April.  From  the  testimonials  of  Coetus  given  to  him  you  will  be  able 
to  see  the  reasons  of  his  return.  In  case  he  does  not  report  to  you,  the 
reasons  are,  in  short,  as  follows:  (1)  His  pronunciation  was  too  unin- 
telligible; (2)  he  objected  to  the  expense  of  bringing  his  family  over 
to  this  distant  land. 

2.  Mr.  P.  P.  Pernisius  is,  in  a  certain  sense,  in  the  same  position.  If 
it  were  not  that  he  lacks  money  for  the  voyage,  he  would  have  left 
America  before  this.  This  gentleman  is  useless  in  this  country,  and  we 
are  greatly  embarrassed  on  his  account.  Either  to  support  him,  or  to 
provide  him  with  money  for  the  return  journey,  exceeds  our  means. 
Last  year  in  Reading  we  had  to  pay  over  20  pounds  for  his  passage. 
We  expect  counsel  and  help  from  the  Reverend  Fathers,  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, with  regard  to  this  man.  Such  aged  ministers  are  the  objects  of 
■uspicion  among  inquiring  Americans.  They  say,  What  is  the  reason 
that  a  man  who  seems,  at  any  hour,  ripe  for  the  grave,  is  apparently 
compelled  to  undertake  such  a  wearisome  journey?  Moreover,  it  is  im- 
possible for  one  so  far  advanced  in  years  to  adapt  himself  to  the  cus- 
toms of  the  country.  We  heartily  deplore  that  the  Reverend  Fathers 
should  have  had  so  much  trouble  and  heavy  expense  in  connection  with 
these  three  natives  of  the  Canton  of  the  Orisons  [Loretz,  Pernisius  and 
Willy],  who  have  not  in  the  least  contributed  to  our  relief  nor  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  our  ecclesiastical  affairs. 

3.  Just  for  this  reason  we  repeat  again  our  most  earnest  petition  that 
you  support,  with  your  favor,  our  plan  with  reference  to  the  erection  of 
a  school,  since  this,  if  not  the  only,  is  at  least  the  safest  and  surest  way 
to  provide  our  churches  with  honest  and  tried  young  men,  well  ac- 
quainted, from  their  youth,  with  the  customs  of  the  country.  The  Rev- 
erend Fathers  themselves  will  see  that  it  is  very  hazardous  to  continue 
sending  ministers  from  Europe,  since  they  have  too  often  proved  failures, 
and  in  the  future  may  be  equally  bad.  We  would  rather  get  along  as 
best  we  can  than  further  give  offense  to  other  denominations  or  sects, 
for  we  all  dwell  together  here. 

4.  I  do  not  know,  on  account  of  the  great  distance,  whether  Do. 
Helffrich,  the  Secretary  of  last  year,  answered  your  questions,  frequently 
repeated  of  late,  concerning  the  frequent  changes  in  the  pastorates  of 

(409) 


410  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

our  ministers.  Among  the  causes  are  the  smallness  of  the  salaries  and 
the  heavy  expenses.  If  he  does  not  observe  the  most  careful  economy, 
a  minister  is  lost,  and  to  keep  out  of  debt  requires  great  pains.  No 
country  preacher  is  able  to  give  his  children,  especially  his  sons,  an  edu- 
cation such  as  the  paternal  heart  would  wish  or  respectability  requires. 
The  least  paid  school  teacher  in  Germany  is  better  off  in  this  respect. 
Therefore,  a  minister  must  certainly  be  excused  when  he  endeavors  to 
better  his  condition  as  often  as  opportunity  is  afforded.  The  Reverend 
Fathers  can  see  from  the  statistics,  drawn  up  by  Do.  Helffrich,  what  ia 
left  to  most  of  us  at  the  end  of  the  year.  This  report  is  accurate,  for 
we  have  far  too  much  respect  for  Holland  to  act  otherwise. 

5.  Do.  Neveling,  who  was  formerly  pastor  in  Reading,  whose  misfor- 
tune and  affliction,  by  the  unsearchable  wisdom  of  God,  has  been  reported 
to  you  by  Do.  Blumer,  as  Secretary,  is,  with  his  numerous  family,  a  true 
and  real  object  for  your  most  tender  sympathies,  which  must  go  out  to 
an  unfortunate  man  who  is  unable  to  support  himself  and  family.  Mr. 
Neveling,  not  wishing  to  be  burdensome,  has  hitherto  used  up  almost  all 
that  he  had;  now,  however,  necessity  compels  us,  in  behalf  of  this  man, 
most  earnestly  to  entreat  you.  Reverend  Fathers,  to  help  him  and  his 
family,  according  to  your  well-known  benevolence. 

6.  We  do  not  know  why  we  have  received  no  answer  to  our  Minutes 
of  the  years  1784  and  1785,  transmitted  to  you,  nor  any  letters  from  you. 
We  daily  look  for  them,  with  a  most  ardent  longing. 

7.  In  order  properly  to  prepare  the  statistics  of  our  congregations, 
according  to  your  desire,  it  would  be  very  helpful  to  us  if  annually  two 
copies  of  the  Ministerial  Year  Book,*  or  Register  of  ministers  and  pro- 
fessors, printed  at  Amsterdam,  were  sent  to  us,  one  for  the  Secretary, 
another   for   reference. 

May  the  Lord  ever  cause  the  home  and  foreign  churches  to  grow  and 
prosper,  through  your  wise  and  paternal  care,  to  the  honor  of  Jesus  and 
the  glory  of  His  kingdom  of  grace!  May  He  bless  your  persons  and 
eminent  families.  We  are  sincerely,  with  all  esteem  and  dutiful  thank- 
fulness, in  the  name  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  our  ovna,  etc., 

John  Henry  Helffrich,  Pres.  p.  t. 

Frederick  Dellicker,  Sec.  p.  t. 

*  See  also  p.  375,  note. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1787. 
(Hague  92,  B.  143;  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  77.) 

MINUTES   OP   THE   COETUS   OF  PENNSYLVANIA,    HELD   EST   LANCAS- 
TER, JUNE  5th,  1787. 

Present. 

Dellicker,  President,  Troldenier, 

Helffenstein  Secretary,  Herman, 

Weyberg,  Gobrecht, 

Hendel,  Weymer, 

Pomp,  Ingold, 

Helffrich,  Wagner, 

Blumer,  Runekel, 

Faber,  Weber. 
Pernisius, 

Absent. 

Otterbein,  Winckhaus, 

Wack,  Dubbendorff. 

first  session.     JUNE  5th,  p.  M. 

On  account  of  the  dedication  of  our  German  High  School, 
founded  by  our  esteemed  Assembly,  our  Coetus  was  held  a 
little  later  than  usual,  in  order  to  save  traveling  expenses  to 
those  members  of  the  Coetus  who  had  been  chosen  as  trustees. 
As  the  President  had  not  yet  arrived,  the  Coetus  was  opened, 
at  the  desire  of  the  reverend  members  present,  by  the  Secre- 
tary, who  offered  a  prayer.    , 

Article  I. 

The  usual  question  concerning  the  external  and  internal 
condition  of  the  congregations  was  put  to  the  ministers  pres- 
ent. Their  answers,  confirmed  by  their  elders,  were  as  fol- 
lows : 

In  regard  to  the  external  condition,  as  far  as  the  main- 
tenance of  di^ane  service  is  concerned,  there  are  great  diffi- 
culties— at  some  places  more,  at  others  less — yet  true  edifica- 
tion is  not  wanting.     In  many  places  the  work  of  the  Lord  is 

(411) 


412  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

even  very  prosperous.  But  great  watchfulness  is  required 
on  the  part  of  the  ministers  against  heresies,  spiritualists,  and 
the  mixing  up  of  religion  with  others  things. 

SECOND   SESSION.      JUNE   6tH,    A.    M. 

Article  I. 

The  congregations  in  Cocalico,  Muddy  Creek,  Reyer's  and 
Seltenreich  ask  the  Reverend  Coetus  that  Mr.  Anthony  Hautz, 
who  had  studied  under  Do.  Hendel,  and  for  nearly  a  year 
served  said  congregations  laudably  and  with  success,  might  be 
examined  and  given  to  them  as  their  regular  minister. 

Resolved,  That  the  request  of  these  congregations  be 
granted. 

Article  II. 

The  members  of  the  congregation  in  Frankford  petitioned 
that  Mr.  Pauli  might  be  ordained  and  given  to  them  as  their 
minister.  This  gentleman  was  examined  last  year  by  a  com- 
mittee of  the  Reverend  Coetus,  and  was  found  at  that  time 
not  yet  prepared.  Therefore,  it  was  resolved  that  Mr.  Pauli 
again  submit  to  an  examination  before  anything  be  done  in 
this  matter. 

THIRD   SESSION.      P.    M. 

Most  of  this  afternoon  was  used  to  examine  Mr.  Hautz.  He 
passed  the  examination  well,  if  circumstances  are  considered. 
He  was,  therefore,  declared  qualified  for  the  ministry  and  for 
ordination.  For  urgent  reasons,  the  following  pledge  was 
placed  before  him,  which  pledge  he  read,  and  signed  in  the 
presence  of  the  whole  Coetus : 

In  Nomine  Dei.    Amen. 

"  I,  the  undersigned,  having  been  examined  by  the  Reverend  Coetus 
and  found  qualified  for  the  holy  ministry,  having  also  been  called  as 
pastor  of  the  congregations,  Cocalico,  Muddy  Creek,  etc.,  do  hereby  de- 
clare and  most  solemnly  pledge  myself  before  God  and  His  Church,  that 
I  will  live  in  accordance  with  the  doctrines,  customs  and  regulations  of 
our  Church,  Reformed  according  to  the  Word  of  God;  that  I  will  show 
at  all  times  due  respect  to  the  Christian  regulations  of  the  Reverend 
Coetus,  and  avoid  every  occasion  to  cause  well-founded  offense. 

**  Given  on  the  sixth  day  of  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1787. 

Anthony  Hautz." 


EE COEDS  OF  1787.  413 

FOURTH   SESSION.      JUNE   7tH,    A.   M. 

Article  I. 

The  congregation  on  the  Tohickon,  and  those  connected 
with  it,  apply  for  a  minister. 

Kesolved,  That  they  shall  have  permission  to  call  any  min- 
ister of  the  Reverend  Coetus  who  has  an  inclination  to  go. 

Article  II. 
Two  men,  Giesse  and  Roth,  applied  for  a  ministerial  exam- 
ination, but  they  were  refused;  the  one  being  directed  to  his 
school,  the  other  to  his  carpenter's  bench. 

At  present  it  cannot  be  decided  with  certainty  where,  if 
the  Lord  grant  life  and  health,  the  Coetus  shall  be  held  next 
year. 

Frederick  Delucker,  Pres.  p.  t. 
A.  Helffenstein,  Sec.  p.  t. 

Statistics  of  the  German  Reformed  churches,  represented 
by  ministers  and  elders,  assembled  in  Lancaster,  June  5,  1787 : 


414 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 


Ministers. 


C.  Weyberg. 
A.  Heltienstein 

F.  Dellicker  . 


John  Faber 
W.  Ingold 
A.  Blumer 


J.  H.  Helffrich 

F.  Herman  .   . 
W.  Hendel  .    . 


C.  Gobrecht 


W.  Runkel 

J.  Waymer 
N.   Pomp 


■  \ 


Congregations. 


Philadelphia  .  .  . 
Gerniautown  .  .  . 
Falkner  Swamp  .   . 

Vincent    

New  (loshenhoppen 
Old  (joshenhoppen 

Swamp 

JJeading  .... 
Nortiiampton  .  .  . 
Jordan  ..... 
Schlosser's  .... 
Maxatawny.  .  .  , 
Heidelberg  .... 
Lowhill .  ... 

Upper  Milford    . 
Macungie         ... 
Weissenburg 
Easton 
Greenwich    .... 

Dryland 

Plain  Held     ... 
Lancaster     .... 

Hanover 

Christ  Church  .  .  . 
Abbotstown  .  .  . 
Jacob's  Church  .  . 
Lischy's  Church  . 
David's  Church  .  . 
Zion's  Church     •    . 

Frederick 

Middletown     .    .    . 

Glade 

Rocky  Hill  .... 
Conococheague  -  . 
Baltimore     .... 


170 
192 

230 
100 
152 


1-^ 


185     41    120 

43     18,     (J7 

3l!     19,     90 


761  93]  78 

21 '  2l!  40 

i         i 

92  54  151 


230    163     53    169 


120 


174 


189 


214 

172 
85 


34 


82 


48 


86 


75 


24    100 


76  *117| 
35!     15     40 


*In  two  years. 


The 


Wagner,   Weber  and   Troldenier   had   no  statistics, 
others,  as  mentioned  in  the  Acts,  were  absent. 

With  regard  to  salaries,  perquisites  and  yearly  expenses  of 
each  minister,  it  has  been  deemed  better  rather  not  to  report 
anything  to  your  Reverences  at  this  time,  than  something  un- 
certain. This  whole  matter  is  attended,  in  many  cases,  with 
great  difficulties,  especially  at  the  present  time. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1787. 
(Hague  92;  B.  142.) 

Most  JReverend,  Most  Learned,  and  Most  Esteemed  Sirs  and  Fathers  in 

Christ  : 

The  enclosed  Minutes,  together  with  the  statistics,  will  inform  the 
Eeverend  Fathers  concerning  the  present  condition  of  our  congregations. 
The  report  of  the  "Widows '  Fund  will  inform  you  about  the  drafts  which 
you  kindly  sent  us.  Otherwise,  nothing  important  occurred,  except  that 
Mr.  Waldschmidt  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord. 

But  a  sad  incident  occurred,  which  grieves  us  all  very  much.  It  con- 
cerns Mr.  Neveling.  This  brother  labored  in  the  ministry  for  many 
years  in  peace  and  blessing,  but  several  years  ago  was  stricken  with 
paralysis,  which  rendered  him  incapable  of  preaching  and  all  other  work. 
As  he  has  a  large  family  of  small  children,  he  fares  very  badly  in  tem- 
poral things.  We,  therefore,  recommend  him  to  your  kind  and  benevo- 
lent sympathy,  in  the  assured  confidence  that  your  fatherly  favor  and 
love  will  certainly  not  be  bestowed  in  vain,  nor  without  blessing  to 
yourselves. 

Finally,  we  all  wish  heartily  that  the  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac  and 
Jacob,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  may  be  your  shield  and 
your  very  great  reward. 

We  remain,  Most  Eeverend  Fathers, 

Your  obedient  servants, 

Fred.  Dellicker,  Pres.  p.  t. 
A.  Helffenstein,  Sec.  p.  t. 
(415) 


EXTRACT  FROM  THE  ACCOUNTS  OF  THE  WIDOWS* 

FUND. 

(Hague  92;  B.  145.) 

We,  the  undersigned  ministers  of  the  Evangelical  Reformed  Church 
and  members  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  in  Pennsylvania,  having  taken  into 
consideration,  at  a  former  meeting,  our  outward  circumstances,  noticed 
with  some  concern  that  our  annual  salary,  even  with  careful  economy, 
is  barely  sufficient  to  support  us  and  our  families,  much  less  to  save  some 
money;  and  since,  at  the  death  of  the  father,  even  this  ceases,  the  sur- 
viving widow  and  orphans  are  necessarily  thrown  into  straightened  cir- 
cumstances, the  former  being  deprived  of  the  necessary  support  in  her 
old  age,  the  latter  of  a  thorough  education,  therefore  we  have  unani- 
mously resolved  to  contribute  something  from  our  own  means  for  the 
establishment  of  a  Widows'  Fund,  under  the  following  conditions: 

Art.  1.  Every  member  shall  contribute  annually,  as  long  as  he  lives, 
the  sum  of  two  pounds,  in  specie,  and  whoever  does  not  remit  his  pay- 
ment on  the  day  set  for  this  purpose,  shall  pay  a  fine  of  one  penny 
per  day. 

Art.  2,  The  time  of  payment  shall  be  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
Coetus. 

Art.  3.  Whoever  marries  more  than  once  shall  each  time  pay  double 
the  amount  for  that  year,  namely,  four  pounds. 

Art.  4.  In  case  a  member  should  be  excluded  from  the  Coetus,  he  shall 
be  at  liberty  to  continue  his  contribution,  and,  after  his  death,  his  widow 
and  children  shall  receive  their  share,  as  if  no  such  exclusion  had  taken 
place. 

Art.  5.  Whoever  fails,  three  times  in  succession,  to  pay  his  contribu- 
tion, thereby  forfeits  his  right,  and  excludes  his  family  from  the  benefits 
of  the  Fund. 

Art.  6.  The  annual  interest  accruing  from  the  money  thus  deposited 
shall  be  equally  distributed  among  the  widows  of  such  ministers  who 
duly  paid  their  contributions,  and  every  widow  shall  receive  her  share 
as  long  as  she  is  a  widow. 

Art.  7.  If  a  minister  leaves  no  widow,  but  children,  then  the  share 
which  would  have  fallen  to  the  widow  shall  be  paid  to  his  child,  or  chil- 
dren, under  sixteen  years  of  age,  and  each  child  shall  receive  an  equal 
share  until  the  age,  named  above,  shall  have  been  reached. 

Art.  8.  If  the  Coetus,  in  case  of  extreme  necessity,  should  need  some 
money  to  aid  others  [than  widows],  such  money  may  be  advanced  from 
the  Widows'  Fund  with  the  consent  of  all  the  ministers  present.  But, 
in  order  to  secure  the  repayment  of  this  money  to  the  Widows '  Fund, 
together  with  the  interest  from  the  day  when  it  was  paid,  either  from 
the  donations  from  Holland,  or,  if  they  be  wanting,  from  the  personal 

(416) 


BE  COEDS  OF  1787.  417 

property  of  the  ministers,  the  President  and  Secretary  of  the  Coetus 
must  obligate  themselves  and  their  successors,  in  the  name  of  the  entire 
Coetus,  by  a  bond  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Fund  and  his  successors. 

Art.  9.  The  members  shall  obligate  themselves,  by  their  own  signa- 
tures, to  observe  these  regulations. 

The  capital  of  the  Fund  is  as  follows: 

£       s.      d. 

T.  60  pounds.  Continental  money,  being 33 

II.  210  pounds,  9  shillings,  10  pence,  Continental  money, 

being 115       8       6 

III.  189  pounds,  7  shillings,  8  pence,  good  money 189       7       8 

Total £337     16       2 

Beginning  with  1781,  the  interest  of  the  entire  sum  was  divided  among 
three  widows,  Wittner,  Bucher  and  Steiner. 

The  annual  contribution  of  fourteen  members  amounted  last  year  to 
28  pounds. 

The  100  fl.  designated  by  the  Eeverend  Fathers  for  Do.  Boehm,  who 
died  and  whose  widow  married  again,  were  used,  together  with  38  fl. 
12  st.  from  the  money  designated  for  the  Widows '  Fund,  to  pay  the 
necessary  passage  money  of  Do.  Pernisius,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  letter 
to  the  Eeverend  Fathers,  dated  Heading,  April  28,  1785. 

Moreover,  the  Coetus  borrowed  32  pounds  from  the  Widows '  Fund 
for  Mr.  Chitera,  which,  owing  to  the  lack  of  charitable  gifts,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Coetus  must  refund,  together  with  the  interest,  according  to 
Art.  8  of  this  statement. 

Extracted  from  the  accounts  of  the  Widows'  Fund. 

John  Henry  Helffrich, 
Secretary  of  the  Widows*  Fund. 

Maxatawny,  June  2d,  1787. 

The  Eeverend  Fathers  had  the  kindness  to  send,  in  the  year  1782, 
a  draft  for  450  fl.  to  the  Coetus.  Of  this  donation  we  promised, 
among  others,  to  the  very  needy  widow  of  Do.  Wittner  the  sum  of  ten 
pounds.  But  since  this  draft  was  returned,  as  it  was  not  cashed,  the 
Coetus  could  not  keep  its  promise,  but  had  to  put  the  widow  off  with 
hope. 

Of  the  three  drafts  of  450  fl.  none  has  thus  far  come  to  light,  except 
the  one  which  was  returned  to  the  Eeverend  Fathers. 

27 


LETTER  OF  COETUS  TO  THE  ELDERS  AT  LAN- 
CASTER, DECEMBER  18,  1764. 

(Harbaugh  Mss.,  No.  26.) 

Most  Noble  and  Worthy  Brethren,  Elders  and  Deacons  of  the  Beformed 

Congregation  in  Lancaster: 

The  present  committee,  consisting  of  the  President  and  Secretary  of 
the  Rev.  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  having  met  at  Philadelphia,  have  in- 
vestigated and  carefully  considered  the  call  and  letters  from  Holland 
concerning  Mr.  Hendel. 

We  deem  it  expedient  to  present  this  Eeverend  Gentleman  to  your  con- 
gregation, hoping  that  you  will  receive  him  with  all  the  love  and  respect 
which  he  deserves.  We  do  not  doubt  that  his  ministry  will  be  agreeable 
to  you  all,  and  will  tend  to  the  salvation  of  your  immortal  souls.  We 
only  regret  that  you  have  sent  your  delegated  brother  so  early,  without 
our  knowledge,  which  has  only  increased  the  expenses,  and  shows  too 
much  zeal. 

We  wish,  however,  that  your  fervor  may  not  too  soon  become  cold. 

You  will  have  to  refund  a  part  of  Do.  Hendel's  traveling  expenses, 
which  we  advanced  for  him,  namely,  £13  of  our  money.  This  you  will 
please  send,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  Do.  Weyberg,  at  Philadelphia.  Fin- 
ally, we  hope  that  you  will  make  his  salary  £75,  Pennsylvania  currency, 
besides  his  free  residence.  We  shall  see  at  our  next  Coetus  meeting 
what  other  arrangements  will  be  necessary.  His  service  begins  with  his 
introductory  sermon. 

We  commend  you  to  the  loving  care  of  the  Great  Shepherd,  Jesus 
Christ,  and  remain 

Your  fellow  brethren  in  the  Lord, 

wishing  and  caring  for  your  best  interests, 
J.  Geo.  Alsentz,  President. 
Caspar  Dietrich  Weyberg,  Secretary. 

Philadelphia,  December  18,  1764. 

(230) 


MINUTES  OP  COETUS,  HELD  IN  LANCASTER, 
MAY  8  AND  9,  1765. 

(Hague  92,  B.  74.) 

Very   Reverendy    Very   Learned^   and   Highly   Honored   Sirs 

and  Fathers  in  Chiist. 

By  tlie  kind  and  forbearing  providence  of  Jehovah  our 
Lord,  we  rejoice  in  sending  with  deepest  obligations  of  es- 
teem to  your  Reverences  these  Minutes  of  our  Coetus,  held  in 
Lancaster  May  8th  and  9t.h.  Present  are:  Dos.  Weyberg, 
President,  Alsentz,  Secretary,  Waldschniidt,  Leydich  and 
Hendel,  wdth  their  elders.  Dos.  Otterbein  and  Du  Bois  are 
held  back  by  heavy  rains,  and  a  fatiguing  journey  to  Vir- 
ginia, having  to  travel  on  horseback  more  than  180  miles. 

The  Coetus  was  opened  with  a  sermon  by  the  President, 
Do.  Weyberg  on  Isaiah  Ixii.  6-7,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
whole  assembly. 

SESSION    I. 

2  o'clock  p.  M. 

1.  The  Rev.  President  put  a  question  to  the  ministers  and 
elders  present,  regarding  the  state  of  their  churches,  to  which 
all  answered,  that  the  temporal  affairs  were  good. 

2.  Hereupon  the  delegates  from  the  other  congregations 
appeared : 

a.  Two  from  Tulpehocken  again  ask  to  have  a  pastor,  and 
for  the  comfort  of  their  fellow  members  request  information 
when  a  minister  may  arrive.  We  gave  them  the  promise  to 
send  them  the  first  minister  on  his  arrival  from  abroad. 

b.  Easton,  Greenwich,  Plainfield,  and  the  Betlilehem  dis- 
trict, request  the  same,  in  Do.  Weyberg 's  place. 

c.  Reading  makes  the  same  request. 

d.  Muddy  Creek  and  Seltenreich  request  the  same. 

e.  York  asks  approval  of  a  call  to  Do.  Otterbein,  which 
is  granted. 

f.  Conewago  and  Paradise  desire  to  be  supplied  by  the 
minister  who  shall  settle  at  York. 

g.  Lebanon,  Swatara,  New  Hanover  [  ?)  united  congrega- 
tions, request  that  they  may  have  a  minister. 

(231) 


420  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

erences,  our  highly  esteemed  Fathers,  therefore  a  second  ex- 
amination has  been  granted  him  before  the  same  examiners, 
Do.  Weyberg  and  two  assistants. 

Article  V. 
Do.  AVeyberg  presented  a  communication  to  the  Reverend 
Coetus  from  a  certain  Mr.  Pick,  who  landed  at  New  York, 
which  communication  was  declared  by  the  whole  assembly, 
both  of  ministers  and  elders,  to  be  very  insulting,  rude,  in- 
considerate, and  recklessly  passionate.*  What  else  could  Do. 
Weyberg  answer  this  man  than  the  actual  truth?  He  claims, 
as  your  Reverences  can  see  from  his  accompanying  letter,  that 
he  was  called  to  Pennsylvania  at  the  urgent  request  of  the 

*  It  is  due  to  the  memory  of  Do.  Pick,  who  proved  to  be  a  useful  min- 
ister in  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  to  publish  his  letter: 

(Hague  92,  B.  150.) 

New  York,  February  26,  1788. 
Very  Reverend,   Very  Learned  Doctor,  Especially  Much  Esteemed  and 

Honored  Brother: 

About  twelve  days  ago  I  sent  a  letter  to  your  Reverence,  announcing 
my  arrival  here,  and  inclosing  at  the  same  time  letters  from  Amsterdam. 
These  have  probably  arrived.  As  Rev.  Brother  Gros  is  at  present  writ- 
ing to  you,  and  a  friend  promises  to  deliver  the  letters,  I  take  the 
opportunity  to  send  you  an  extract  of  my  first  letter,  for  fear  that  it 
has  not  reached  you. 

I  arrived  here  entirely  without  money.  The  traveling  money  paid  to 
me  at  Amsterdam  did  not  reach  to  defray  my  board  there.  Your  Rev- 
erence can  imagine  the  dreadful  famine  which  prevailed  there  during  the 
awful  war.  I  was  compelled  to  stay  there  more  than  three  months.  I 
was  not  able  to  pay  even  my  passage  money;  indeed,  I  had  to  ask  the 
captain  to  pay  some  of  my  expenses.  I  asked,  therefore,  [in  my  first 
letter,]  that  either  £100  might  be  sent  to  me,  or  some  one  might  meet  me 
here.  If  the  congregation  [which  called  me]  would  agree  to  it,  I  would 
be  willing  to  have  the  money  thus  advanced  deducted  from  my  salary 
from  time  to  time.  It  is  not  only  stated  in  my  call,  dated  November  8, 
1787,  that  the  congregation  would  assist  me  at  my  arrival,  but  several  of 
the  brethren  belonging  to  the  Amsterdam  commission  also  assured  me 
that  this  would  undoubtedly  be  done. 

Without  money  I  am,  of  course,  unable  to  get  away  from  here;  but  I 
hope  that  your  Reverence,  in  accordance  with  my  first  request,  will  have 
the  kindness  to  take  such  measures  as  will  be  satisfactory  both  to  my 
congregations  and  myself. 

Awaiting  a  favorable  answer,  I  remain,  with  sincere  respect, 

Your  Reverence's  most  obedient  and  devoted  servant  and  brother, 

Pick. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1788.  421 

Coetus  of  Pennsylvania.  Of  this  we  know  nothing.  That  no 
place  is  open  is  only  too  true.  The  only  two  places  now 
vacant  are  Reading,  which  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  a 
newly-arrived  person,  be  he  who  he  may,  and  Skippack,  which 
is  too  weak  to  pay  a  minister's  salary,  and  can  very  easily  be 
supplied  from  Germantown.  And  even  if  places  were  vacant, 
yet  not  one  of  them,  not  even  Philadelphia,  would  undertake 
to  advance  him  at  haphazard  one  hundred  pounds,  and  from 
a  country  church  he  would  not  get  the  fourth  part.  It  awak- 
ened well-founded  suspicion  how  this  man,  as  he  states  in  his 
own  letter,  could  have  spent,  in  such  a  short  time,  not  only 
the  traveling  expenses  he  had  received,  but  besides  make  a 
debt  of  one  hundred  pounds  in  an  honorable  way.  His  re- 
quest, addressed  to  us,  Avas  read  publicly,  together  with  the 
statement  of  Do.  Weyberg  that  Mr.  Pick,  according  to  reports 
from  New  York,  was  a  learned  man  and  a  particularly  good 
preacher,  but  none  of  the  elders  present  made  any  overture 
for  him.  Consequently,  the  counsel  of  Do.  Weyberg  to  him 
was  the  only  possible  one,  however  ill  it  was  construed  by  him, 
that  he  address  himself  to  the  ministers  of  New  York  for  a 
place.  The  resolution  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  in  regard  to 
this  man  was,  that  his  conduct  (as  mentioned  above)  be 
totally  condemned  and  Do.  Weyberg  be  vindicated;  further, 
that  the  whole  matter  be  reported  to  your  Reverences,  our 
highly  esteemed  Fathers,  together  with  a  copy  of  his  insulting 
letter.  To  this  I  add  his  first  letter,  marked  No.  2,  from  which 
his  demands,  Avhich  could  not  possibly  be  granted,  will  become 
evident. 

Article  VI. 
The  congregation  in  York,  which  Mr.  Troldenier  serves,  is 
somewhat  divided.  There  are  two  parties,  and  hence  two 
testimonials  were  present,  one  in  favor  of  that  gentleman 
and  one  against  him.  The  complaints  were  that  he  was  too 
passionate,  and  that  he  had  preached  four  or  five  times  on  one 
text.  But  the  truth  is,  that  Mr.  Troldenier  has  been  too  short 
a  time  in  America  to  adapt  himself  to  the  feelings  of  the 
people,  as  his  predecessor,  Mr.  Wagner,  did.  In  considera- 
tion of  this,  and  because  the  testimony  in  his  favor  is  pre- 
ferred, it  was  resolved  to  admonish  the  congregation,  in  writ- 
ing, to  forbearance,  peace,  and  unity,  which  was  done. 


422  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Article  VII. 
Do.  Otterbein  and  Do.  Pomp,  both  of  Baltimore,  appeared 
with  their  elders  and  testimonials  from  their  congregations. 
At  first  some  ill  feeling  showed  itself,  but  a  more  desirable 
conclusion  was  reached  than  we  anticipated.  For,  after  Do. 
Otterbein  had  explained  that  neither  he  nor  his  members  had 
written  to  Holland  against  Do.  Pomp  and  his  congregation, 
as  they  had  suspected,  a  mutual  agreement  was  reached  that 
no  party  would  place  any  obstacles  in  the  way  of  the  other, 
but  live  peaceably  together  in  the  future. 

Article  VIII. 
Do.  Ingold  left  Easton  about  a  year  and  a  half  ago  and 
accepted  Reading.  However,  this  man  suited  this  congrega- 
tion, in  manj^  respects,  less  than  any  one  before.  This  ap- 
peared even  in  the  first  half  year.  But,  notwithstanding  suc- 
cessive quarrels,  he  maintained  himself  till  the  present  time, 
when  Reading  gave  him  his  dismissal  and  requested  Coetus 
for  permi'ssion  to  call  another  minister,  which  was  granted. 
What  a  peculiar  man  Ingold  is,  your  Reverences  can  partly 
gather  from  this,  that  he  left  Reading  on  the  very  day  the 
Reverend  Coetus  met  there.  Nevertheless,  we  do  not  mean 
to  say  that  Do.  Ingold  is  alone  to  blame.  Contrary  conduct 
usually  begets  the  same  in  others.  As  I  have  heard  since.  Do. 
Ingold  ministers  at  present  to  the  congregations  Indianfield, 
Tohickon,  and  Trumbauer^s  Church. 

Article  IX. 
Finally,  it  was  resolved  that  the  next  Coetus  be  held  (God 
willing)   on  the  second  Wednesday  after  Pentecost,  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

Albert  Helffenstein,  Pres.  p.  t. 

Frederick  Dellicker,  Sec.  p.  t. 

The  statement  handed  in  by  our  treasurer,  Do.  Hendel,  of 

the  money  last  received  is  as  follows: 

£  s.  d. 

Tho  TTollniul  draft  amounted  to 67  10  — 

Of  this  v.as  placed  in  the  Widows'  Fund 39  18  — 

To  Mr.  Nevcling 15  —  — 

To  Mr.  Chitera 9  —  — 

To  Mrs.  Wittner 3  10  — 


RECORDS  OF  1788. 


423 


The  two  amounts  given  to  Messrs.  Neveling  and  Chitera 
were  only  advanced.  They  shall  be  restored  to  the  fund  from 
the  draft  promised  for  the  same.  W.  Hendel. 

Statistics  of  the  Eeformed  Churches  Belonging  to  the  Coetus  of 
Pennsylvania,  from  june  6,  1787,  to  april  23,  1788. 


Ministers. 


A.  Helffenstein   .... 

C.  Weyberg 

W.  Hendel 

F.  Dellicker    .    .   .   .  | 

r 

A.  Blumer \ 

I 

r 

I 

J.  H.  Helffrich  .    . 


A.  Hautz 


r 
I 

Chr.  Gobrecht    •    •    •  ] 

I 
D.  Wagner \ 

H.  Winkhausen .   .    .  < 
F.  Herman \ 


Congregations. 


Germantowu  . 

Philadelphia . 

Lancaster   .    . 

Falkner  Swamp 

Vincent  .    .    , 

Northampton 

Jordan    .    . 

Sch'osser's . 

Egypt 

Maxatawny 

Lowhill 

Upper  Milford 

Macungie  . 

Weissenburg 

Hanover     . 

Abbotstown 
j  Christ  Church 

Jacob's  .  . 
I  Lischy's  .  . 
I  Zion's.    .    . 

Tulpehocken 

Heidelberg 

Swatara  .    . 

Saucon 

Springfield 

Easton 

Greenwich 

Dryland 

Plainfield   . 

Muddy  Creek 

Heller's  . 

Seltenreich 

Reyei-'s  . 


1 

"a 

1 
1 

g 

% 

o 

13 

40 
26 

1 
1 

T 

1 

170 

*2000 

176 

35 

215 

60 

45 

2 

150 

69 

42 

! 

4 

229 

104 

61 

5 

145 

48 

23 

4 

112 

60 

36 

155 

68 

38 

166 

70 

43 

140 

74 

112 

1 

W.  Otterbein 
N.  Pomp .    . 


W.  Runkel 


State  of  Mahyland. 


Baltimore  .    . 
Baltimore 
Frederick"^*  . 
Middletown   . 
Glade. 


44     23 
35 


80 
188 


94 


^1 
20' 

27 


*  Sittings. 

**  The  residence  of  the  ministers  is  always  at  the  place  mentioned  first. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1788. 
(Hague  92,  B.  152.) 

Very  Reverend,  Very  Learned  Sirs,  Very  Venerable  Sirs  and  Fathers: 

In  duly  replying  to  your  highly  esteemed  favor,  we  beg,  in  the  first 
place,  to  say  that  we  received  your  first  draft  to  the  amount  of  £67  10s., 
drawn  on  Mr.  Hazelhurst,  and  that  the  money  was  duly  delivered  to  the 
Coetus  by  Do.  Weyberg.  We  herewith  express  to  you.  Very  Reverend 
Sirs,  our  dutiful  and  heartfelt  thanks  for  this  fatherly  benefaction,  and 
the  widows  and  orphans,  in  their  otherwise  forsaken  condition,  in  their 
hearts  bless  you  for  it.  What  more  glorious  task  could  the  Fathers  per- 
form than  support  this  Widows'  Fund?  Thus  a  worn-out  minister,  who, 
with  all  sacrifice  of  labor  and  time,  is  unable  to  lay  by  something  for  his 
family,  can  lay  down  his  head  without  being  tormented  in  his  last 
moments  by  the  agonizing  thought:  "  O  God,  how  will  it  be  with  my 
loved  ones?"  Once  more,  Very  Reverend  Sirs,  the  God  of  widows  and 
orphans  bless  you  for  your  gifts. 

2.  You  express  your  surprise  and  displeasure  with  regard  to  Do. 
Loretz's  sudden  departure  from  America.  There  were,  indeed,  other 
causes  that  necessitated  his  leaving  his  congregation ;  but  as  Tulpehocken 
made  no  public  complaint,  and  as  the  separation  took  place  as  quietly 
as  possible,  we  represented  the  case  to  the  Fathers  as  mildly  as  possible, 
and  yet  strictly  according  to  the  truth.  The  certificate  of  the  Coetus 
was  granted  to  him,  that  in  future,  as  one  warned  by  experience,  he  may 
do  better  as  to  body  and  soul,  either  in  his  native  country  or  elsewhere. 
Traveling  expenses  which  he  received  ought  to  have  been  refunded,  but 
the  necessary  means  were  lacking. 

3.  As  regards  Do.  Pernisius,  he  may,  perhaps,  in  the  first  six  months 
of  his  sojourn  in  America,  have  enjoyed  the  love,  or  rather  the  patience, 
of  his  congregations;  but  it  ended  with  one  congregation  after  another 
dismissing  him.  Afterwards  he  maintained  himself,  as  best  he  could, 
for  a  considerable  time  in  Philadelphia  by  practicing  medicine,  and  with 
much  aid  from  Do.  Weyberg,  until  three  other  congregations,  viz., 
Brownback's,  Neiss 's  Church  and  Pottstown,  which  were  formerly  served 
by  Mr.  Leydich,  and  which  could  neither  support  nor  get  a  minister  with 
a  family,  engaged  him,  but  of  which  one,  viz.,  the  Neiss 's  Church,  has 
deserted  him  already.  We  do  not  like  to  state  causes,  nor  do  we  think 
we  have  a  rK^hi  to  do  so  before  public  complaints  are  made.  How 
agreeable  and  gratifying  it  would  be  to  us  if  we  could  have  rendered, 
or  still  could  render,  useful  some  of  the  gentlemen  who  have  cost  you  so 
much !  We  have  not  been  sparing  in  good  counsels,  but  we  cannot  force 
our  counsels  upon  any  one,  and  the  proverb,  ''  He  who  will  not  counsel 
himself,  is  not  to  be  counseled  "  ["  He  who  will  not  help  himself,  is 
past  help  "],  finds  full  application  in  the  case  of  such  ministers. 

(424) 


BE  COEDS  OF  1788.  425 

4.  In  order  to  satisfy  your  inquiry  respecting  Do.  Otterbein,  we  will 
say  that,  to  all  appearances,  none  of  the  ministers,  except  the  one  com- 
plaining— and  in  his  case  we  had  more  of  an  historical  narrative  than  a 
complaint— has  thought  of  charging  that  gentleman  with  heretical  views, 
or  to  call  him  to  account  for  such.  Do.  Otterbein  has  grown  old  and 
gray,  and  is  almost  disabled  by  the  hard  service  of  the  Gospel  in  Amer- 
ica. He  has  done  much  good,  has  zealously  toiled  for  the  salvation  of 
many  souls.  The  aim  of  his  ministry,  even  if  it  did  not  agree  in  every 
respect  with  the  opinions  of  all,  is  edification  and  blessing,  for  what  else 
should  it  be?  He  is  a  servant  of  the  Lord  who  stands  at  the  gates  of 
eternity  to  render  an  account  of  his  stewardship.  And  as  regards  Do. 
Pomp,  he  has  the  praise  and  good  testimony  of  his  congregation  in  his 
favor.  The  erection  of  a  church,  undertaken  by  the  latter,  is  necessary. 
The  population  of  Baltimore  is  increasing,  and  that  both  parties  will 
make  use  of  the  same  church  is  not  to  be  thought  of.  The  floods  have 
really  done  great  damage,  and  assistance  is  greatly  needed,  because  they 
will  hardly  be  able  to  complete  their  work  without  charitable  contri- 
butions. 

5.  Eespecting  the  letter  of  introduction  given  to  Do.  Pick,  dated  Am- 
sterdam, November  15th,  1787,  which  has  been  sent  to  us,  we  have  the 
honor  to  say  that  we  are  extremely  sorry  that  it  is  entirely  beyond  our 
power  to  act  upon  your  recommendation  or  order,  which  always  has,  and 
will  have,  the  first  place  with  us. 

You  see  yourselves.  Very  Eeverend  Sirs  and  Fathers,  that  all  places 
for  ministers  are  occupied,  except  Reading,  which  will,  presumably,  be 
occupied  by  Mr.  Pauli  as  soon  as  he  will  have  passed  his  examination. 
Mr.  Troldenier  and  Herman  received  the  last  [vacant]  congregations, 
so  that  there  is  not  even  a  place  of  refuge  left  in  case  a  minister  should 
no  longer  be  able  to  agree  with  his  congregation,  a  thing  which  may 
happen  here  in  America  even  to  the  best  ministers.  The  Reverend 
Deputies  of  the  Reverend  Synods  seem  to  have  inferred  this  from  our 
letter  even  before  sending  Do.  Pick,  for  the  Do.  Van  Marie  writes,  among 
other  things,  under  date.  Delft,  March  30,  1787:  ''  In  the  meantime,  it 
seems  that  we  no  longer  render  a  service  to  you  by  sending  you  minis- 
ters. ' '  We  hope,  therefore,  that,  in  your  great  wisdom,  you  will  not 
burden  us  with  an  impossibility. 

6.  As  the  Reverend  Fathers  have  always  manifested  a  very  kind  and 
sincere  interest  in  our  welfare,  we  cannot  deny  ourselves  the  pleasure  to 
inform  you  of  the  honor  done  to  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania  by  the  pro- 
motion of  two  of  its  members.  It  has  lately  pleased  the  Academy  of 
Princeton,  in  the  S^ate  of  New  Jersey,  to  bestow  upon  Messrs.  Caspar 
Weyberg  and  William  Hendel,  who  never  requested  it,  nor  even  thought 
of  it,  the  dignity  and  title  of  Doctor  of  Theology  [D.  D.],  which  took 
place  at  their  general  assembly  [Academic  commencement],  held  last 
autumn.  The  honor  thus  conferred  upon  the  two  Doctors  is  aU  the 
greater  since  the  Academy,  as  stated  above,  is  not  located  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, but  in  New  Jersey,  and  entirely  English.     We  see  from  it  that 


426  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

the  development  of  the  German  population,  and  merit  begin  to  be  re- 
warded in  America  without  regard  to  nationality. 

7.  The  erection  and  establishment  of  a  German  High  School  in  Lan- 
caster also  confirms  my  last  thoughts.  In  order  that  you,  Very  Reverend 
Sirs,  may  understand  the  entire  nature  and  arrangement  of  this  very 
useful  institution,  I  enclose  the  charter  granted  by  our  Honorable  Assem- 
bly. Hence,  J  have  nothing  further  to  report  than  that  the  institution, 
since  its  solemn  dedication,  on  June  6,  1787  (a  printed  account  of  which 
I  likewise  submit),  has  made  quite  favorable  progress  under  its  present 
teachers  and  professors,  of  whom  Do.  Hendel  is  vice-principal. 

8.  Lastly,  and  in  conclusion,  we  thank  you  once  more,  sincerely  and 
cordially,  for  all  the  support,  benefactions  and  gifts  which  you.  Very 
Reverend  Sirs  and  Fathers,  have  been  so  graciously  pleased  to  bestow 
upon  us  from  time  to  time.  May  the  good  God  bless  you  because  of 
them!  May  He  keep  you  and  your  families,  and  may  He  always  let  your 
sacred  counsels  have  the  desired  success! 

Thousands  of  immortal  souls  are  brought,  through  your  faithful  min- 
istry and  prayer,  to  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  May  the  crown  of  righteous- 
ness reward  your  life,  wholly  dedicated  to  the  progress  of  the  Gospel! 

We  remain,  most  respectfully.  Very  Reverend  and  Learned  Sirs  and 
Fathers,  your  most  obedient  and  humble  servants, 

Albert  Helffenstein,  Pres.  p.  t. 
l^EDERICK  Dellicker,  Sec.  p.  t. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1789. 


(Hague  92,  B.  159.) 

MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,  HELD  IN  PHILADEL- 
PHIA, JUNE  10th  and  11th,  1789. 


Present. 
William  Hendel,  S.  T.  D.,*  Pres., 
Caspar  Weyberg,  S.  T.  D., 
Frederick  Dellicker,  Sec, 
Abraham  Blumer, 
Albert  Helffenstein, 
J.  Henry  Helffrich, 
Daniel  Wagner, 
Frederick  Herman, 
John  Greorge  Troldenier, 

From  Maryland: 


Lancaster. 

Philadelphia. 

Falkner  Swamp. 

Northampton. 

Germantown. 

Maxatawny. 

Tulpehocken. 

Easton. 

York. 


William  Runckel,  Frederick. 

From  New  Jersey: 
Caspar  Wack,  Valley. 

Ludwig  Chitera,  Knowlton. 

Present  at  the  meeting  as  honorary  members  from  the  State 
of  New  York: 

Daniel  Gros,  professor  and  minister  in  New  York. 
N.  Schneider,  Albany. 


Absent. 


W.  Otterbein, 
N.  Pomp, 
Chr.  Gobrecht, 
J.  Weymer, 
J.  W.  Ingold, 
W.  Weber, 
A.  Hantz, 
H.  Winckhaus, 
S.  Dubbendorff, 


Baltimore. 

Baltimore. 

Hanover. 

Hagerstown. 

Indianfield. 

Pittsburg. 

Muddy  Creek. 

Saucon, 

Lykens  Valley. 


*  S.  T.  D.,  i.  e.,  Sacrae  Theologiae  Doctor,  equivalent  to  our  D.  D. 

(427) 


428  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  Coetus  was  opened,  as  usual,  on  the  first  day  at  10 
A.  M.,  by  the  President  with  an  impressive  sermon,  on  Acts 
xi.  21,  especially  instructive  for  ministers.  Then  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Reverend  Coetus  met  in  the  afternoon  at  2  o'clock 
in  the  school-house. 

Article  I. 
The  answers  to  the  questions  regarding  the  spiritual  con- 
dition, growth  and  establishment  of  active  Christianity  by  the 
service  of  the  Word,  lead  us  to  entertain  good  hope,  and  in 
regard  to  most  of  the  ministers,  well-founded  hope,  of  the  in- 
fluence and  blessing  of  the  work  of  the  Gospel.  The  im- 
proved conditions  of  the  times,  the  greater  quietness,  and  the 
general  form  of  government,  now  well  established,  contribute, 
as  external  means,  much  to  this  result.  The  elders  present 
were  especially  urged  to  render  necessary  support  to  the  min- 
isters by  the  exercise  of  very  wholesome  church  discipline. 

Article  11, 
Since  only  a  minority  of  the  absent  ministers  had  sent  in 
excuses,  it  was  resolved  to  require  from  these  gentlemen,  at 
the  next  Coetus,  a  strict  account  of  their  conduct.  Especially 
the  excuse  about  serving  other  congregations  at  the  time  of 
Coetus,  was  declared  invalid. 

Article  III. 

Whereas,  the  other  prominent  religious  denominations  of 
Engli.sh  and  German  nationality  have  sent  their  congrat- 
ulations to  the  worthy  General  Washington  on  his  elevation  to 
the  highest  office  of  the  Government,  therefore  it  was  resolved 
that  we  also  send  his  Excellency,  the  President  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  in  the  name  of  our  churches  and  Coetus, 
an  address  of  congratulation.  In  order  to  draft  it  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed,  consisting  of  Dos.  Weyberg,  Gros  and 
Blumer,  together  with  three  elders,  Colonel  Farmer,  and 
Messrs.  Grosskoup  and  Arend,  both  esquires. 

The  address  itself,  together  with  the  answer  of  his  Excel- 
lency, we  enclose  in  an  accompanying  newspaper. 

Article  IV. 
A  part  of  the  Reading  congregation  sent,  through  a  dele- 


BE  COBB  S  OF  1789.  429 

gated  elder,  a  written  request  that  their  minister,  Mr.  Boos,  be 
received  as  a  member  of  Coetus  and  his  call  be  confirmed.  But 
since  a  large  part,  perhaps  half,  of  the  inhabitants  [of  Read- 
ing] do  not  hold  to  him,  and  his  conduct  is  still  bad,  therefore 
the  request  was  declined.  Nevertheless,  every  help  was  prom- 
ised to  the  congregation  if  it  could  be  given  in  any  other  way. 

Article  V. 
Do.  Pernisius  was  publicly  excluded  from  the  Coetus,  on 
account  of  his  great  unworthiness.     Details  will  be  reported 
in  the  letter. 

Article  VL 
Finally,  it  was  resolved,  on  special  request  of  the  minister 
acting  in  the  name  of  his  congregation,  that  the  next  Coetus 
shall  be  held,  God  willing,  on  the  second  Sunday  after  Pente- 
cost in  Falkner  Swamp,  in  order  to  solemnly  dedicate  at  that 
time  the  new  church,  which  is  to  be  built  after  the  model  of 
the  church  in  Philadelphia,  the  size  excepted. 

William  Hendel,  Pres.  p.  t. 
Frederick  Dellicker,  Sec.  p.  t. 


430  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Statistics  from  April  23,  1788,  to  June  10,  1789. 


Ministers. 


Wra.  Hendel  . 
C.  Weyberg     . 

Fr.  Dellicker 

A.  Blumer  .    . 
A.  Helffenstein 

J.  H.  HelflTrich 


Cong  reo  ations. 


Chr.  Gobrecht     .    .    .  -{ 

I 

I 

D.  Wagner -I 

J.  "VVeymar**     .... 

N.  Pomp 

W.  Runkel j 


Lancaster       .    . 

Pliiladelphia  . 
i  ['''alkner  Swamp 

Vincent  .    .    .    . 

Northampton     . 

Jordan    .    .    .    . 

Schlosser's .    .    . 

i^^a^ypt 

(lermantown  .    . 

Maxatawny    .    . 

Jfeidelberg  .  . 
i  Lowhill  .... 

Milford       ... 

Macungie  .    .    . 

Weissenburg  .    . 

Hanover     .    .    . 

Christ  Church   . 

Abbotstown    .    . 

Jacob's  Church 

Lischy's  Church 

David's  Church 

Zion's  Church   . 

Tulpehocken .    . 

Swatara  .... 

Heidelberg    .    . 

Ilagerstown   .    . 


•    ^ 


1 

1 

1 
1 

i 

c 
.0 

1 

178 

92 

35 

2 

* 

191 

40 

1 

— 

86 

40 

2 

174 

100 

40 

4 

1  180 

35 

' 

288 

i 

172 

41 

5 

136 

75 

65 

123 

76 

38 

2 

129 

47J 

22 

4 

66 

88 

140 


70 
75 


Maryland. 


Baltimore  • 
Frederick  . 
Glade.  .  . 
Middletown 


60 
198 


30 
111 


40 
95 


Uncertain. 


**  He  has  five  congregations. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1789. 
(Hague  92,  B.  160.) 

Most  Eeverend,  Most  Learned,  and  Esteemed  Sirs  and  Fathers: 

We  duly  received  the  duplicate  of  your  very  esteemed  letter  of  October 
1st,  1788.  Do.  Weyberg  also  handed  over  to  us  67  pounds  10  shillings, 
which  had  been  given  to  him  by  Messrs.  Hazelhurst  &  Co.,  in  payment 
of  the  first  draft.  This  money  was  used  according  to  your  will  and  order. 
We  all  in  general,  and  those  aided  by  this  money  in  particular,  appre- 
ciate, with  the  deepest  feeling  of  gratitude,  the  kind  support  which  the 
Most  Eeverend  Fathers  continue  to  grant  us.  May  the  good  Lord  re- 
ward the  givers  by  His  supporting  blessing!  Concerning  the  former 
draft,  we  gave  due  information  in  the  last  Minutes  of  1788,  sent  to  you. 

2.  We  are  sorry  that  you  received,  at  so  late  a  date,  the  Minutes  of  the 
Coetus  held  in  Lancaster  in  1788.  As  the  Eeverend  Fathers  inquire 
after  the  cause,  it  is,  no  doubt,  the  fault  of  the  Secretary  at  that  time. 
But  perhaps  this  gentleman  was  prevented,  by  work  or  other  circum- 
stances, from  speedily  dispatching  the  Minutes.  We  trust  that  the  last, 
and  also  the  present  Minutes,  will  all  the  more  speedily  be  transmitted 
to  the  Eeverend  Fathers. 

3.  With  regard  to  your  repeated  recommendation  of  Do.  Pick,  and 
with  regard  to  the  gentleman  himself,  we  have  had  the  honor  to  present, 
at  length,  to  the  Eeverend  Fathers  the  true  circumstances  and  nature 
of  the  affair  in  the  last  Minutes  and  letter. 

4.  We  have  to  report  that  the  Lord  has  taken  from  us  a  brother, 
namely.  Do.  Theobald  Faber,  late  minister  in  New  Goshenhoppen  and 
Great  Swamp.  His  departure  was  unexpected.  On  November  2d,  1788, 
a  deathly  weakness  attacked  him  while  in  the  pulpit.  Having  finished 
half  of  the  sermon,  he,  with  difficulty,  repeated  the  Lord's  Prayer.  He 
was  then  carried  from  the  pulpit,  and  an  hour  and  a  half  later  died  in 
the  school-house.  It  was  remarkable  that  his  sermon  was  on  death,  for 
he  was  just  preaching  on  Jairus '  daughter.  Matt.  ix.  being  the  Gospel 
lesson  of  that  day.  How  dear  he  was  to  his  people  is  proved  by  the  fact 
that,  altogether  contrary  to  the  custom  of  this  country,  they  gave  him  a 
burial-place  under  the  altar;  also  that  they  desire  his  oldest  son  for  his 
successor,  if  this  is  at  all  possible. 

5.  Since  the  new  Constitution  and  established  government  of  the  coun- 
try bring  changes  with  them,  we  notice,  among  other  things,  that  the 
several  denominations  throughout  the  States  unite,  form  Classes,  and 
then  Synods.  This  will  also  become  necessary  for  us,  the  German  Ee- 
formed,  and  then  the  name,  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  would  be  too  limited. 
In  this  matter  we  await  the  opinion  of  the  Eeverend  Fathers.  As  the 
establishment,  growth  and  reputation  of  the  Eeformed  religion  was 
always  the  chief  aim  of  your  noble  exertions,  we  hope  that  the  informa- 

(431) 


432  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

tiou  concerning  the  union  of  the  High  German  Reformed  churches  through 
the  extensive  American  States  will  be  most  agreeable  and  desirable  to 
the  Most  Reverend  Fathers. 

6.  But  now  I  come  to  a  case  which  can  cause  nothing  but  astonish- 
ment to  the  Reverend  Fathers,  as  to  how  far  the  wickedness  and  ob- 
duracy of  man  can  go.  In  the  middle  of  July,  during  the  harvest  of 
1788,  a  cattle-driver  heard  the  report  of  a  gun  in  the  forest  near  the 
house  of  Do.  Pernisius,  which  was  a  somewhat  altered  school-house.  The 
report  of  the  gun  scattered  his  sheep,  and  thus  detained  him  a  little. 
When  he  came  to  the  house  he  found  Pernisius  occupied  with  a  bleeding 
and  already  dead  Danish  beggar,  who  was  known  throughout  the  whole 
region.  Pernisius  pretended  that  he  had  desired  to  help  him,  as  he  had 
come  to  him  with  his  wound,  and  asked  that  now,  since  he  was  dead,  the 
cattle-driver  should  help  to  bury  him.  But  the  man  refused,  since  the 
laws  require  a  minute  investigation  of  such  a  deed.  Pernisius  denied 
having  heard  the  report  of  a  gun.  Later  a  stab  and  a  cut  was  found, 
which,  as  all  think,  were  intended  to  hide  the  shot.  I  must  mention  that 
the  beggar  had  a  very  vicious  and  exasperating  tongue,  which  presum- 
ably may  have  led  the  hot-headed  Italian,  Pernisius,  to  such  a  deed. 
The  selected  jury,  together  with  the  justice,  made  a  careful  investiga- 
tion. All  the  marks  of  a  recently-fired  gun  were  found  in  his  gun;  no 
blood  was  found  on  the  floor,  except  before  the  window,  where  the 
beggar  was  found  dead  in  the  arms  of  Pernisius.  The  roads  were  de- 
serted, on  account  of  the  harvest,  and  no  house  was  near.  The  jury,  in- 
cluding some  of  his  own  people,  had  a  general  suspicion  that  he  was  the 
perpetrator  of  the  deed,  for  an  examination  of  the  body  showed  that  the 
small  shot  was  concentrated  in  one  point,  which  led  to  the  belief  that  the 
shot  was  very  near  and  not  from  a  distance.  Pernisius  was,  therefore, 
on  suspicion,  imprisoned  in  the  county  jail.  There  he  would  have  had  to 
remain  until  the  6th  of  May  of  this  current  year,  1789,  and  would  have 
had  to  suffer  the  bitterest  hunger,  if  Do.  Weyberg  had  not  pitied  him, 
and  obtained  bail  for  him  through  two  gentlemen  from  Philadelphia,  so 
that  he  was  allowed  to  go  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  and  his  daughter 
were  largely  supported  by  these  gentlemen.  Do.  Weyberg,  moreover, 
paid  for  the  two  lawyers  required,  and  the  cost  of  the  prison  and  the 
court,  without  which  Pernisius  might,  perhaps,  have  been  hanged.  All 
this  Mr.  Weyberg  did  out  of  great  esteem  for  the  Reverend  Fathers,  who 
had  sent  this  man,  and  also  because  he  was  a  Reformed  minister;  and, 
besides,  he  and  many  others,  who  could  not  be  acquainted  with  all  the 
circumstances,    considered    Pernisius   really    innocent. 

In  consideration  of  this,  the  Reverend  Coetus  ventures  to  petition  the 
Reverend  Fathers  kindly  to  refund  to  Do.  Weyberg  the  costs  of  the 
trial,  of  which  a  specification  is  enclosed,  since,  besides  these,  this  gentle- 
man has  had  great  expense  on  account  of  Pernisius,  and  we,  with  our 
limited  income,  cannot  reimburse  him.  We  all  the  less  doubt  the  grant- 
ing of  our  petition,  since  the  Reverend  Fathers,  on  all  occasions,  were 
willing  efficiently  to  support  noble  deeds. 

After  all  this  was  over,  and  Pernisius  could  again  freely  go  about  in 


BE  CORDS  OF  1789.  433 

Philadelphia,  it  came  to  light  what  an  ungodly  man  he  was.  He  was 
proved  to  be  a  continuous  drunkard,  swearer  and  blasphemer,  and  also  a 
digger  of  hidden  treasures  and  a  conjurer  of  the  devil.  Whereupon, 
after  everything  had  been  publicly  presented  to  him  in  the  Coetus,  he 
was  excommunicated,  as  reported  in  the  Minutes,  with  a  touching  ad- 
monition of  the  President,  which,  however,  as  a  hardened  sinner,  he  an- 
swered in  a  very  impertinent  manner.  Now  he  has  disappeared  from 
Philadelphia,  no  one  knows  exactly  whither. 

7.  Finally,  we  can  do  nothing  but  pray  to  our  Lord  that  He  would 
preserve,  by  His  full  divine  blessing,  the  Most  Eeverend  Fathers  and  their 
high  families;  that  He  would  advance  His  kingdom  by  their  faithful 
evangelical  service,  and  that  He  would  grant  unlimited  blessedness  as 
their  eternal  reward  of  grace. 

We  remain,  in  deepest  reverence.  Most  Eeverend,  Most  Learned,  and 
Most  Esteemed  Sirs  and  Fathers, 

Your  obedient  servants, 

William  Hendel,  Fres.  p.  t. 
Frederick  Dellicker,  Sec.  p.  t. 

1789. 
Account  of  money  paid  out  as  court  expenses  and  only  part  of  the 
house  rent  for  Do.  Pernisius,  the  money  being  Pennsylvania  currency: 

£      0. 

To  the  general  advocate 3     . . 

Sheriff 2     18 

Jury 1     16 

Court-crier 10 

Prison-master 2     Id 

Support  in  prison 4     14 

Two  lawyers 7     .. 

House  rent 6     . . 

Total 28     14 

28 


ADDRESS  OP  THE  GERMAN  REFORMED  COETUS  TO 
GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

(Americvn  Museum,  Vol.  VI,  p.  222,  September,  1789.) 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States: 

The  address  of  the  ministers  and  elders  of  the  German  Reformed 
CHiurch  in  the  United  States,  at  their  general  meeting,  held  at  Phila- 
delphia, the  10th  of  June,  1789. 

Whilst  the  infinite  goodness  of  Almighty  God,  in  His  gracious  provi- 
dence over  the  people  of  the  United  States  of  America,  calls  for  our  sin- 
cerest  and  most  cordial  gratitude  to  Him  that  ruleth  supremely,  and 
ordereth  all  things,  in  heaven  and  earth,  in  unerring  wisdom  and  right- 
eousness, the  happy  and  peaceable  establishment  of  the  new  government 
over  which  you  so  deservedly  preside  cannot  fail  but  inspire  our  souls 
with  new  and  most  lively  emotions  of  adoration,  praise  and  thanksgiving 
to  His  holy  name. 

As  it  is  our  most  firm  purpose  to  support  in  our  persons  a  government 
founded  in  justice  and  equity,  so  it  shall  be  our  constant  duty  to  impress 
the  minds  of  the  people  entrusted  to  our  care  with  a  due  sense  of  the 
necessity  of  uniting  reverence  to  such  a  government  and  obedience  to  its 
laws  with  the  duties  and  exercises  of  religion.  Thus  w^e  hope,  by  the 
blessing  of  God,  to  be,  in  some  measure,  instrumental  in  alleviating  the 
burden  of  that  weighty  and  important  charge  to  which  you  have  been 
called  by  the  unanimous  voice  of  your  fellow-citizens,  and  which  your 
love  to  your  country  has  constrained  you  to  take  upon  you. 

Deeply  possessed  of  a  sense  of  the  goodness  of  God  in  the  appoint- 
ment of  your  person  to  the  highest  station  in  the  national  government, 
we  shall  continue,  in  our  public  worship  and  all  our  devotions  before  the 
throne  of  grace,  to  pray  that  it  may  please  God  to  bless  you  in  your 
person,  in  your  family,  and  in  your  government,  with  all  temporal  and 
spiritual  blessings  in  Christ  Jesus. 

Signed  by   order   of  the  meeting, 

Wm.  Hendel,  p.  t.  Praeses. 
,  F.  Dellickee,  p.  t.  Scriba. 

I  (434) 


THE  PRESIDENT'S  REPLY. 

I  am  happy  in  concurring  with  you  in  the  sentiments  of  gratitude  and 
piety  towards  Almighty  God  which  are  expressed  with  such  fervency  of 
devotion  in  your  address,  and  in  believirg  that  I  shall  always  find  in  you 
and  the  German  Eeformed  congregations  in  the  United  States  a  conduct 
correspondent  to  such  worthy  and  pious  expressions.  At  the  same  time 
I  return  you  my  thanks  for  the  manifestation  of  your  firm  purpose  to 
support  in  your  persons  a  government  founded  in  justice  and  equity,  and 
for  the  promise  that  it  will  be  your  constant  duty  to  impress  the  minds 
of  the  people  entrusted  to  your  care  with  a  due  sense  of  the  necessity  of 
uniting  reverence  to  such  a  government  and  obedience  to  its  laws  with 
the  duties  and  exercises  of  religion.  Be  assured,  gentlemen,  it  is  by  such 
conduct  very  much  in  the  power  of  the  virtuous  members  of  the  commu- 
nity to  alleviate  the  burden  of  the  important  office  which  I  have  accepted, 
and  to  give  me  occasion  to  rejoice  in  this  world  for  having  followed 
therein  the  dictates  of  my  conscience.  Be  pleased,  also,  to  accept  my 
acknowledgments  for  the  interest  you  so  kindly  take  in  the  prospetity 
of  my  person,  family  and  administration.  May  your  devotions  before 
the  throne  of  grace  be  prevalent  in  calling  down  the  blessings  of  heaven 
upon  yourselves  and  your  country. 

[Signed]        George  Washington.* 

*■  A  German  translation  appeared  in  the  ' '  Philadelphische  Gemein- 
nuetzige  Correspondenz, ' '  published  by  Melchior  Steiner,  in  No.  4268, 
dated  Tuesday,  July  7th,  1789.  A  copy  of  this  paper  was  sent  to  Hol- 
land, see  Minutes  of  1789,  Article  III. 

(435) 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  1790. 
(Hague  92,  B.  164;  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  80.) 

Most  Reverend  and  Most  Learned  Sirs,  Especially  Highly 

Esteemed  Fathers  in  Christ: 

In  accordance  with  our  bounden  duty,  we  send  to  your 
Reverences  the  IMinutes  of  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  held 
in  Falkner  Swamp,  June  7th  and  8th,  1790.  The  ministers 
and  their  delegated  elders  met  there  as  early  as  Saturday, 
June  5th,  and  on  Sunday  attended  the  following  divine  ser- 
vices in  the  newly-built  and  very  beautiful  church.  The 
church  was  dedicated  with  devout  prayer  by  Do.  Dellicker, 
and  two  edifying  sermons,  before  large  audiences ;  one  in  the 
morning  by  Do.  Hendel,  and  the  other  in  the  afternoon  by 
Do.  Blumer. 

MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA,  HELD  IN  FALKNER 
SV^AMP,    JUNE   7th   AND   8tH,    1790. 

Ministers  Present. 


Caspar  Weyberg, 

Philadelphia. 

William  Hendel, 

Lancaster. 

John  Henry  Helffrich, 

Maxatawny. 

Frederick  Dellicker, 

Falkner  Swamp. 

Abraham  Blumer, 

Northampton. 

Christopher  Gobrecht, 

Hanover. 

J.  G.  Troldenier, 

Giddistown  [Gettysburg]. 

H.  Herman, 

Easton. 

Caspar  Wack, 

Valley. 

Daniel  Wagner, 

Tulpehocken. 

William  Runckel, 

Frederick. 

Herman  Winckhaus, 

Saucon. 

Nicholais  Pomp, 

Goshenhoppen. 

Ministers  Absent. 

William  Otterbein, 

Baltimore. 

Samuel  Dubendorf, 

Carlisle. 

William  Weber, 

Pittsburg. 

J.  W.  Ingold, 

Tohickon. 

(436) 

BE  COBB  S  OF  1790,  437 

We  received  the  sad  information  that  Do.  Helffenstein, 
pastor  in  Germantown,  and  Do.  Weymer,  pastor  at  Hagers- 
town,  a  short  time  ago  finished  the  course  of  this  life  and  en- 
tered into  their  blessed  rest.*  The  former,  who  died  of  con- 
sumption, leaves  a  widow  and  four  children,  who  are  very 
poorly  provided  for.  The  latter  leaves  only  a  widow  without 
children.** 

There  are  at  present  four  vacant  preaching  stations 
[charges]  : 

1.  Germantown. 

2.  Hagerstown. 

3.  Indianfield. 

4.  Baltimore,  where  Do.  Pomp  was  last  stationed. 

The  Coetus  was  opened  on  Monday,  June  7th,  with  a  ser- 
mon by  Do.  Pomp,  on  1  Cor.  iii.  10,  11.  After  the  service, 
the  ministers  met  and  elected  Do.  Dellicker,  the  late  Secre- 
tary, as  President,  and  Do.  Pomp  as  Secretary  for  this  year. 

FIRST   SESSION. 

Article  I. 
At  2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  ministers  and  elders  met 
in  the  church.  The  meeting  was  opened  by  an  earnest  prayer. 
Then  the  President  asked  each  of  the  ministers  and  elders 
what  they  had  to  report  concerning  the  internal  and  external 
conditions  of  the  congregations.  It  was  pleasant  to  hear, 
from  the  answers  to  these  questions,  that  there  is  peace  every- 
where in  the  congregations,  and  that  the  office  of  the  ministry 
is  still  acceptable  and  blessed  to  many  souls,  although  at  some 
places  more,  at  others  less. 

Article  11. 
Five  congregations  beyond  the  so-called  Blue  Mountains, 
on  the  Susquehanna,  in  the  region  generally  called  Shamokin, 
sent  a  delegate  with  an  urgent  petition  for  a  young  minister, 

*  In  the  church  record  at  Hagerstown  is  the  following  notice  about 
Weymer 's  death :  ' '  Jacob  Weimer  came  to  Hagerstown  in  the  year 
1770.     He  died  on  May  12,  1790.     His  age  was  66  years.'' 

**  The  Harbaugh  copy  adds:  "  Do.  Ingold  was  also  absent.  He  has 
not  attended  the  Eeverend  Coetus  for  the  last  three  years,  and,  on  account 
of  his  bad  conduct,  has  also  been  rejected  by  his  congregations. 


438  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

by  the  name  of  Rahaus,  whom  Do.  Hendel  had  for  four  years 
instructed  in  theology,  and  who  had  already  for  some  time 
supplied  said  five  congregations  with  preaching  and  cate- 
chization.  They  requested  that  Rahaus  be  examined  and 
ordained  by  the  Reverend  Coetus,  so  that  in  the  fut>ire  he 
might  also  be  able  to  administer  the  Holy  Sacraments. 

Thereupon,  it  was  resolved  to  examine  Mr.  Rahaus  and  to 
report  the  result  of  the  examination  to  the  Reverend  Synods 
of  Holland. 

Article  III. 

An  elder  from  the  congregation  in  Hagerstown  appeared 
before  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  asked  for  another  minister  in 
place  of  Do.  Weyiner,  who,  as  already  mentioned,  had  lately 
finished  his  course  and  entered  into  his  blessed  rest.  It  was 
resolved  to  give  permission  to  this  congregation  to  call  another 
worthy  minister  of  the  Coetus. 

Article  IV. 
An  elder  from  the  congregation  in  York,  which  Do.  Trol- 
denier  left  half  a  year  ago,  asked  the  Reverend  Coetus  for 
the  ordination  of  Mr.  Stock,  a  young  preacher  who  arrived 
here  a  year  ago  from  Duisburg,  Germany,  having  very  good 
testimonials  concerning  his  learning  and  conduct,  so  that  Mr. 
Stock,  who  for  some  time  had  supplied  the  congregation  with 
preaching,  might  in  the  future  be  their  regular  pastor  and 
perform  all  ministerial  acts.  But  as  we  are  not  permitted, 
according  to  the  last  letters  from  Holland,  to  ordain  any  one 
-without  the  consent  of  the  Reverend  Synod  and  the  Reverend 
Classis  of  Amsterdam,  it  was  resolved  by  a  majority  of  votes, 
and  after  much  debating,  to  postpone  the  desired  ordination 
and  to  await  the  consent  of  the  Reverend  Fathers  from  Hol- 
land. 

SECOND   SESSION. 

Article  I. 
On   Tuesday  morning,  June  8th,  Mr.   Rahaus  was  exam- 
ined *'  before  the  Reverend  Coetus  and  found  qualified  to  fill 

*  The  Ilarbaugh  copy  adds,  about  his  examination :  '  *  We  found,  to 
our  pleasure,  that,  considering  the  length  of  time  he  had  studied,  he  had 
gained  a  thorough  knowledge  of  theology." 


BE  COEDS  OF  1790.  489 

the  office  of  a  minister.  But  since  the  same  causes,  on  ac- 
count of  which  Mr.  Stock  was  refused  in  yesterday's  session, 
do  not  permit  his  ordination,  it  was  resolved  to  report  the  case 
to  Holland  and  to  ask  the  Reverend  Fathers  for  permission  to 
ordain  him  as  soon  as  possible,  because  said  congregations  in 
Shamokin  are  in  danger  of  many  adventurers,  and,  on  ac- 
count of  the  great  distance,  none  of  us  can  easily  supply 
them.* 

Article  II. 
The  three  united  congregations  in  Goshenhoppen  sent  their 
delegates  with  a  call  for  Do.  Pomp,  thus  far  minister  in  Bal- 
timore. They  desired  to  have  him  as  their  regular  pastor  in 
place  of  Do.  Faber,  deceased.  But,  as  the  parsonage  of  the 
congregation  is  still  occupied  by  the  widow  of  Do.  Faber, 
whom  one  would  not  like  to  drive  out,  the  congregations  were 
advised  to  provide  a  house  for  Do.  Pomp,  and  to  continue  the 
kindness  towards  the  widow,  as  far  as  possible. 

Article  III. 
The  Reverend  Coetus  directed  the  President  and  Secretary 
to  answer  the  letters  received  from  Holland,  and  to  dispatch 
the  Coetal  letter,  together  with  these  Minutes  of  the  Coetus, 
as  soon  as  possible. 

Article  IV. 
The  next  Coetus  was,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  appointed  to 
be  held  in  Lancaster,  again  on  the  second  Sunday  after  Pente- 
cost of  the  next  following  year. 

The  original  concludes  with  the  signatures  of  all  the  min- 
isters and  elders.*  *  But  this,  a  true  copy  of  the  original,  was 
signed,  at  the  order  of  the  Reverend  Coetus,  by 

Frederick  Dellicker,  Pres.  p.  t. 
N.  Pomp,  Sec.  p.  t. 
New  Goshenhoppen,  June  18,  1790. 

*  Another  addition  of  the  Harbaugh  copy  reads :  *  *  Mr,  Pauli  [was 
also  examined],  who,  at  the  close  of  the  last  Coetus,  was  to  be  examined, 
and  afterwards,  if  found  capable,  to  be  ordained. ' ' 

**  The  Harbaugh  copy  is  signed  by  nine  ministers  and  four  elders. 


440 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA, 
Statistics  of  the  Congregations,  1790. 


MiNISTIBS. 


Weiberg 
Hen  del     . 
Dellicker 
Bluraer     . 
Helffrich  . 
Gobrecht  . 
Pomp    .    . 
Wagner    . 
Runkel      . 
Bautz 
Troldenier 
"Winckhaus 
Wack    .    . 


Residences  of 
Ministiks. 


Philadelphia  (1)* 
Lancaster  (1) 
Falkner  Swamp  (2) 
Northampton  (4) 
Maxatawny  (6) 
Hanover  (7)  .    . 
Groshenhoppen  . 
Tulpehocken  .   . 
Frederick,  Md.  (4) 
Muddy  Creek  (4) 
Gettysburg  (3)  .    . 
Saucon  (2)      ... 
Valley  (2)  .    .    .   . 


nS 

$ 

'? 

fl 

00 

1 

g 

1 

**2000 

185 

35 

1 

180 

80 

36 

2 

218 

77 



2 

1   173 

63 

29 

4 

230 

121 

71 

5 

143 

68 

92 

3 

200 

40 

52 

3 

97 

91 

65 

2 

190 

80 

39 

3 

148 

62 

56 

4 

72 

21 

***65 

30 

24 

2 

65 

27 

25 

2 

75 

42 

69 

150 

185 

70 

120 

106 

110 

91 

50 
40 


*  The  figures  in  parentheses  refer  to  the  number  of  congregations 
served  by  each  minister. 

**  Sittings. 

***  The  Harbaugh  copy  reads:  124  families,  72  baptized,  52  confirmed. 
The  numbers  given  in  the  text  refer,  perhaps,  to  one  congregation  only. 

It  is  very  much  to  be  regretted  that  the  brethren,  who  do 
not  attend  the  annual  sessions  of  the  Coetus,  altogether 
neglect  their  duty,  neither  excusing  their  absence  nor  even 
sending  in  their  ecclesiastical  statistics.  It  is  for  this  reason 
that  we  are  always  obliged  to  send  incomplete  reports. 


COETAL  LETTER  OF  1790. 

(Hague  92,  B.  165.) 

Most  Beverend  and  Most  Learned  Sirs,  Most  Esteemed  Fathers  in  Christ: 

Some  months  ago  we  received  the  last  letter  of  the  Eeverend  Fathers, 
dated  October  29th,  1789.  But  with  great  displeasure  we  learn  that  at 
that  time  you  had  not  yet  received  our  Coetal  Minutes,  and  the  enclosed 
letters  of  1788  and  1789.  How  this  came  to  pass  we  do  not  know,  for  we 
are  accustomed  to  write  out  the  Minutes  immediately  after  the  Coetus  ia 
held  and  to  send  them  with  the  first  ship. 

Concerning  the  two  drafts,  each  of  450  fl.,  which  you  sent  to  us  in  the 
years  1787  and  1788,  we  have  received  only  one,  namely,  450  guilders. 
What  became  of  the  other  draft  of  450  guilders  we  do  not  know.  That 
we  received  one  of  these  drafts,  namely,  450  guilders,  we  reported  to  you 
in  two  letters,  which  were  sent  with  the  Coetal  Minutes  of  1788  and  1789, 
in  which  letters  we  also  expressed  our  due  gratitude.  The  Reverend 
Fathers  will  please  continue  their  undeserved  kindness  towards  us,  and 
particularly  inquire  after  the  second  draft  of  450  guilders,  which  we  have 
not  yet  received,  and  see  to  it  that  we  may  receive  the  money. 

The  Eeverend  Fathers  desire  to  know  the  nature  and  chief  purpose  of 
the  High  School  in  Lancaster.  We  duly  answer  that  said  school  failed 
a  year  ago  already,  because,  on  account  of  the  general  hard  times,  the 
professors  did  not  receive  their  salaries.  We,  therefore,  deem  it  un- 
necessary to  give  to  the  Eeverend  Fathers  a  circumstantial  report  of  this 
school.  However,  we  must  state  in  this  connection  that  it  did  not  enter 
into  our  minds  to  sever  the  very  important  connection  with  the  Eeverend 
Fathers,  and  that  our  chief  purpose  in  establishing  this  school  was  to 
have  our  German  youth  instructed  in  such  languages  and  sciences  as  to 
qualify  them  in  the  future  to  fill  public  offices  in  the  Eepublic,  and  per- 
haps hereafter,  if  this  school  should  continue,  to  prepare  young  men  for 
the  ministry. 

The  establishment  of  this  school  also  occasioned  that,  in  the  year  1787, 
the  meeting  of  the  next  Coetus  could  not  be  decided  upon;  *  for  we 
wanted  to  hold  the  Coetus  at  the  place  where  the  school  was  to  be  estab- 
lished, in  order  solemnly  to  dedicate  the  school  on  this  occasion.  But 
since  at  that  time  we  did  not  yet  know  for  a  certainty  whether  the  school 
was  to  be  placed  at  Lancaster  or  elsewhwere,  we  did  not  decide  on  the 
place  of  the  next  Coetus. 

Concerning  Do.  Anthony  Hautz,  whom  we  ordained  and  installed  with- 
out the  consent  of  the  Eeverend  Fathers,  we  must  indeed  confess  that  we 
acted  too  hastily,  and  therefore  cannot  stand  before  the  Eeverend  Fath- 

*  There  seems  to  be  some  confusion  here,  as  Franklin  College  waa 
opened  on  June  6,  1787,  while  the  Coetus  was  in  session  in  Lancaster. 

(441) 


442  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

ers.  Although  at  that  time  opposition  and  remonstrances  were  not 
wanting  in  the  Reverend  Coetus,  yet,  by  the  majority  of  votes,  it  was 
resolved  that  Do.  Hautz  should  be  ordained  and  admitted  to  the  min- 
istry. The  pledge  of  Do.  Hautz,  the  contents  of  which  the  Reverend 
Fathers  desire  to  know,  reads,  word  for  word,  as  follows: 

"  I,  the  undersigned,  having  been  examined  by  the  Reverend  Coetus 
and  found  qualified  for  the  holy  ministry,  and  having  been  called  as 
pastor  of  the  congregations  Cocalico  and  Muddy  Creek,  do  hereby  de- 
clare and  most  solemnly  pledge  mj-self  before  God  and  His  Church,  that 
I  will  live  according  to  the  doctrine,  customs  and  regulations  of  our 
Church,  Reformed  according  to  the  Word  of  God,  and  also  that  I  will 
avoid  all  occasions  which  might  give  the  Reverend  Coetus  reasonable 
ground  for  offense. 

* '  Given  on  this  7th  day  of  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
1787.  Anthony  Hautz." 

From  this  declaration  the  Reverend  Fathers  may  see  how  far  Do. 
Hautz  is  bound  to  the  Netherland  confession  of  faith  and  church  form- 
ulas, although  no  express  mention  is  made  of  them,  yet  it  is  implicitly 
intended,  since  his  Reverence  is  bound  faithfully  to  follow  the  doctrine, 
customs  and  ordinances  of  the  Reformed  Church  and  to  give  no  reason- 
able ground  for  offense  to  the  Reverend  Coetus.  But  the  urgent  reason 
why  this  pledge  was  taken  from  Do.  Hautz,  was  a  suspicion  of  false 
doctrine  which  some  brethren  had  of  him  before  his  examination.  But 
although,  in  his  examination,  he  declared  himself  orthodox,  yet,  for 
greater  satisfaction,  the  aforesaid  pledge  was  taken. 

The  fatherly  admonition  of  your  Reverences  concerning  the  poorly- 
attended  schools,  which  was  marked  with  the  word  "  caret,"  we  thank- 
fully accept,  and  promise  to  use  all  diligence  that  the  children  every- 
where be  urged  to  attend  school. 

From  the  enclosed  Minutes,  the  Reverend  Fathers  will  see  what  we 
need  at  the  present  time  and  what  we  must  ask  for.  1.  We  a^k  to  be 
allowed  to  ordain  the  two  candidates  mentioned  in  the  Minutes  of  the 
Coetus,  namely,  Mr.  Stock,  for  York,  and  Mr.  Rahaus,  for  five  congre- 
gations in  Shamokin.  2.  We  ask  the  Reverend  Fathers  for  a  few  up- 
right ministers  from  Germany  to  serve  the  vacant  congregations,  which, 
it  is  true,  may  be  supplied  in  the  meantime  by  other  ministers,  yet  we 
believe  that,  within  a  few  years,  additional  upright  ministers  would  be 
desirable.  The  salaries  of  the  ministers  differ  very  much.  In  some 
places  the  salary  is  a  hundred  pounds,  but  in  others  much  less;  it  de- 
pends upon  the  strength  and  ability  of  the  congregation. 

Concerning  Do.  Pick,  we  defended  ourselves  in  1788,  and  stated  the 
reasons  why  we  would  not  accept  him.  But  since  we  suspect  that  those 
letters  were  lost,  we  hereby  enclose  a  copy. 

Finally,  we  assure  the  Reverend  Fathers  that  we  will  not  neglect  our 
duties,  and  that  we  will  earnestly  strive  not  to  become  unworthy  of  your 
Reverences.     May  the  all-merciful  God  bless  all  your  exertions,  and  pre- 


RECORDS  OF  1790.  443 

serve  your  dear  persons  and  most  esteemed  families  for  the  welfare  of 
His  Church  and  the  praise  of  His  glorious  name! 

We  remain,  in  due  reverence,  Most  Eeverend  and  Most  Learned  Sirs, 
Most  Esteemed  Fathers  in  Christ,  your  obedient  servants, 
Signed  in  the  name  of  the  Eeverend  Coetus, 

Frederick  Dellicker,  President. 
Nicholas  Pomp,  Secretary. 
GosHENHOPPEN,  Juue  20,  1790. 

P.  S.  The  unfortunate  minister  Neveling,  concerning  whom  we  wrote 
to  the  Eeverend  Fathers  some  years  ago,  stating  what  a  misfortune  had 
befallen  him,  and  for  whose  support  we  have  also  received  something,  is 
still  in  very  wretched  circumstances  and  a  burden  to  us.  If,  therefore, 
the  Eeverend  Fathers,  in  sending  the  charitable  gifts,  would  think  of 
him,  we  should  be  very  much  obliged. 


LETTER  OF  THE  REV.  NICHOLAS  POMP  TO  THE 
SYNODS,  JULY  6,  1790. 

(Hague  92;  B.  167.) 

Very  Reverend,   Very  Learned  Sirs,  Especially  Much  Honored  Fathers 

in  the  Lord: 

We  herewith  duly  report  to  your  Eeverences  that  the  Eeverend  Coetus 
of  Pennsylvania  received  both  drafts,  which  your  Eeverences  sent  us 
during  the  years  1787  and  1788.  It  was,  therefore,  an  error  when  I  re- 
ported, in  the  last  letter,  that  we  had  received  but  one  of  the  two  drafts. 
Do.  Helffrich,  who  keeps  account  of  the  money  received,  showed  me  this 
error,  and  gave  me,  at  the  same  time,  a  copy  of  his  account  book,  show- 
ing how  the  two  drafts  had  been  received  and  applied. 

The  first  draft  of  the  year  1787  was  received  in  the  year  1788,  and 
am^ounted  to  £67  10s.  Of  this  sum  £15  were  advanced  to  the  unfortunate 
brother  Neveling,  £9  to  Mr.  Chitera  and  £3  10s.  to  the  widow  of  Do. 
Widner  [Wittner].  There  remained  £39  18s.,  which  were  put  into  the 
"Widows'   Fund. 

The  second  draft,  of  the  year  1788,  was  received  in  the  following  year, 
1789.  It  amounted  to  £67  10s.  Of  this  the  unfortunate  brother  Neve- 
ling received  £7  10s.  The  rest,  namely,  £60,  was  placed  in  the  Widows' 
Fund.  Your  Eeverences'  devoted  servant, 

Nicholas  Pomp,  Secretary. 

GOSHENHOPPEN,  Juhj  6,  1790. 


MINUTES  OF  THE  COETUS,  HELD  IN  LANCASTER, 
JUNE  27-28,  1791.* 

(Hague  86.  11;  Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  85.) 

Very  Worthy  and  Very  Learned  Sirs,  Especially  Much  Es- 
teemed Fathers  in  Christ: 

We  herewith  have  the  honor  to  send  to  your  Reverences 
the  Minutes  of  the  Coetus  of  Pennsylvania,  held  this  year  in 
the  city  of  Lancaster  on  June  27th  and  28th,  1791. 
The  members  present  were: 

W.  Hendel,  D.  D.,  minister  in  Lancaster. 


W.  Otterbein, 

F.  Dellicker, 
A.  Blumer, 

J.  H.  Helffrich, 

C.  Gobrecht, 
W.  Runckel, 
A.  Hautz, 
W.  Weber, 

G.  A.  Gueting, 
J.  G.  Troldenier, 

D.  Wagner, 

The  absentees  were: 
Do.  Winckhaus, 
'  *     Herman, 
''     Pomp, 
"     Wack, 
''     Dubendorf, 


Baltimore. 

Falkner  Swamp. 

Northampton. 

Macungie. 

McCallister. 

Frederick. 

Harrisburg. 

Westmoreland. 

Antietam. 

Gettysburg. 

Tulpehocken. 


Philadelphia. 

Germantown. 

Indianfield. 

Rockaway. 

Carlisle. 


Inasmuch  as  Do.  Pomp,  the  Secretary  of  last  year,  was  not 
present,  on  account  of  indisposition,  Do.  Hendel  was  elected 

*  A  translation  of  these  and  later  Minutes  was  published  by  Rev.  Dr.  S. 
R.  Fisher  in  successive  issues  of  the  Messenger,  beginning  with  July  12, 
1854;  also  in  separate  pamphlet  form,  under  the  title,  Acts  a7id  Proceed- 
ings of  the  Coetus  and  the  Synod  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  from 
17 91- IS  16.  Chambersburg,  1854.  Now  exceedingly  rare.  The  originaJa 
were,  unfortunately,  destroyed  in  the  Chambersburg  fire. 

(444) 


EECOBDS  OF  1791.  445 

President  and  Do.  Wagner  Secretary.  The  Coetus  was  there- 
upon opened  with  a  sermon  by  the  Secretary  from  the  words 
in  1  Cor.  i.  18. 

FIRST   SESSION. 

Article  I. 
At  2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  ministers,  together  with 
the  delegated  elders,  assembled  in  the  school-house,  and,  after 
prayer  had  been  offered,  reports  were  presented  as  to  the  con- 
ditions of  the  respective  congregations.  From  these  it  ap- 
peared that,  for  the  most  part,  peace  and  unity  prevailed  in 
the  congregations,  and  there  is  an  encouraging  prospect  that 
the  kingdom  of  Christ  will  grow  and  godliness  increase. 

Article  II. 
A  request  from  Augusta  county,  Virginia,  to  be  supplied 
with  several  ministers,  was  read,  and  as  there  is  hope  that  a 
number  of  ministers  will  soon  arrive  from  Europe,  it  was  re- 
solved that  in  case  two  ministers  arrive,  one  of  them  shall  be 
sent  to  Virginia;  but  should  so  many  arrive  that  two  can  be 
sent  thither,  it  shall  be  done. 

Article  III. 
As  the  Reverend  Coetus  has  received  no  reply  from  their 
Reverend  Fathers  concerning  the  ordination  of  Messrs.  J. 
Philip  Stock  and  Jonathan  Rahauser,  and  as  the  circum- 
stances of  the  congregations  are  very  pressing,  it  was  resolved 
that  both  these  gentlemen  be  ordained,  which  ordination  ac- 
cordingly took  place  the  same  evening. 

Article  IV. 
The  following  vacant  congregations,  at  their  request,  ob- 
tained permission  to  call  ministers  from  among  the  members 
of  the  Reverend  Coetus:  Baltimore,  Hagerstown,  Shippens- 
burg,  Saucon,  and  Springfield.* 

SECOND  SESSION. 

Article  I. 
On  the  28th,  at  9  o'clock,  the  ministers  and  elders  again 

*  The  Harbaugh  copy  enumerates  the  following  congregations :  Cham- 
bersburg,  Shippensburg,  Schoener's  Church  and  Falling  Spring. 


446  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

assembled  in  the  school-house.  A  delegate  from  Philadelphia 
then  appeared,  and  reported  that  Do.  Winckhaus  was  kept  at 
home  because  of  sickness,  and  that  the  condition  of  the  con- 
gregation is  peaceful  and  encouraging. 

Article  II. 
A  delegate  from  the  congregation  in  Plainfield  appeared, 
and  reported  that  it  was  the  desire  of  that  congregation  to  call 
Do.  Weber  as  its  pastor.  As,  however,  this  congregation  was 
hitherto  connected  with  the  congregation  in  Easton,  and  no 
delegate  was  present  from  the  latter  congregation,  it  was  re- 
solved not  to  do  anything  at  present,  but  to  postpone  the  con- 
sideration of  the  subject  until  the  next  Coetus. 

Article  III.* 
A  letter  was  read  from  a  committee  of  the  ministers  in  the 
State  of  Massachusetts,  assembled  in  Boston,  on  the  24th  of 
June,  1790.  It  stated  that  they  had  sent  a  petition  to  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  asking  it  to  see  to  it  that  no 
edition  of  the  Bible  is  published  in  these  States  without  first 
having  been  subjected  to  a  close  examination  as  to  its  correct- 
ness, and  requesting  that  all  other  religious  societies  also 
should  take  the  same  action.  As  it  is  of  the  greatest  import- 
ance that  the  Word  of  God  should  be  preserved  pure  and  un- 
adulterated in  these  States,  it  was  resolved,  in  case  Congress 
has  not  yet  done  anything  in  this  matter,  to  follow  the  Chris- 
tian example  of  our  brethren  in  Massachusetts  and  also  send 
up  a  petition  on  this  subject. 

Article  IV. 
Resolved,  That  the  next  Coetus  be  held  on  the  fourth  Sun- 
day after  Easter,  in  the  coming  year,  in  Philadelphia. 

•  The  Harbaugh  copy,  as  well  as  the  translation  of  Dr.  Fisher,  con- 
tains two  very  important  articles,  which  were  not  sent  to  Holland.  They 
are  as  follows: 

Ajrt.  III.  It  was  resolved  that  the  Coetus  has  the  right,  at  all  times, 
to  examine  and  ordain  those  who  offer  themselves  as  candidates  for  the 
ministry,  without  asking  or  waiting  for  permission  to  do  so  from  the 
Fathers  in  Holland. 

Art.  IV.  It  was  resolved  that  the  Coetus  each  time  furnish  the  Rev- 
erend Fathers  with  a  report  of  their  proceedings,  accompanied  with  suit- 
able explanations  when  it  is  necessary. 


BECORDS  OF  1791. 


447 


Here  follow,  in  the  original,  the  signatures  of  all  the  min- 
isters and  elders  present*  This,  however,  is  a  true  copy  of 
the  original. 

Finally,  we  must  report  to  your  Reverences,  with  sorrow, 
that  our  honored  colleague.  Do.  C.  D.  Weyberg,  after  having 
been  sick  with  dropsy  for  half  a  year,  departed  this  life  on  the 
21st  of  August.  His  place  is  at  present  occupied  by  Do. 
Winckhaus. 

We  now  commend  your  Reverences  to  the  faithful  protec- 
tion, grace  and  blessing  of  our  adorable  Chief  Shepherd. 
Signed,  by  order  of  the  Reverend  Coetus, 

Wm.  Hendel,  Pres.  p,  t. 
Daniel  Wagner,  Sec.  p.  t. 


Statistics  of  the  Congregations,  1791. 


Ministers. 


W.  Hendel  .  .  . 
W.  Otterbein  .  . 
F.  Delliker  .  .  . 
A.  Blumer  .  .  . 
J.  H.  Helffrich  . 

C.  Gobrecht  .  • 
W.  Kunkel  .  .  - 
A.  Hautz  .  .  . 
J.  G.  Troldenier 

D.  Wagner  .  .  . 
W.  Weber  .  .  . 
A.  Gueting  .    .    . 


Congregations. 


Lancaster  (1)    .    . 
Baltimore  (1 )    .    . 
Falkner  Swamp  (3) 
Northampton  (4) 
Macungie  (6)     - 
McCallister's  (4) 
Frederick  (4)    . 
Harrisburg  (3)  . 
Gettysburg  (4)  . 
Tulpehocken  (6) 
Westmoreland. 
Antietam. 


'd 

'a 

a 
1 

1 

183 

71 

23 

1 

60 

24 

12 

269 

77 

73 

3 

179  111 

35 

— 

235  83 

43 

5 

165 

68 

54 

220 

142 

37 

2 

108 

28 



3 

90 

25 

186 

83 

66 

6 

47 

110 
162 
188 

95 
83 

160 


The  Harbaugh  copy  is  signed  by  eleven  ministers  and  five  elders. 


MINUTES    OF   THE    COETUS,   HELD   IN   PHILADEL- 
PHIA, MAY  6-7,  1792. 

(Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  89.) 

first  session. 

The  Reverend  Coetus  met  this  year  on  May  5,  1792,  in 
Philadelphia.  The  ministers  and  delegated  elders  appeared 
on  that  day.  On  the  morning  of  the  following  day  Do.  Wag- 
ner preached  an  edifying  sermon,  on  2  Cor.  iv.  6.  After  the 
sermon,  Do.  Wagner  was  elected  President  and  Do.  Winck- 
haus  Secretary.* 

The  members  present  were  as  follows: 

Dos.  Hendel,  Lancaster. 

Wagner,  Tulpehocken. 

Blumer,  Northampton. 

Troldenier,  Baltimore. 

Pomp,  Indianfield. 

Helffrich,  Macungie. 

Wack,  Rockaway. 

Rahauser,  Hagerstown. 

Stock,  Shippensburg. 

*  The  translation  of  Dr.  Fisher  opens  as  follows : 
"  Very  Reverend,   Very  Learned  Sirs,  and  Highly  Esteemed  Brethren 

in  Christ  our  Lord: 

'*  In  consequence  of  the  relation  in  which  we  stand  to  your  Eight  Rev- 
erences, we  regard  it  as  necessary  to  transmit  to  you  our  *  Acta  Coetua 
Pennsylvaniensis  '  of  the  present  year,  which  were  had  in  Philadelphia 
on  the  6th  and  7th  of  May,  1792 ;  in  which  place  the  Reverend  ministers, 
with  their  delegated  elders,  assembled  on  Saturday,  the  5th  of  May,  and 
attended  divine  service  on  the  following  Sabbath.  On  the  following 
Monday  the  Coetus  was  opened  by  Do.  D.  Wagner,  the  President  of  the 
present  year,  with  a  very  edifying  and  appropriate  sermon,  from  2  Cor. 
iv.  6,  and  Do.  Winckhaus  was  elected  Secretary.*' 

This  paragraph  seems  to  imply  that  the  Minutes  of  1792  were  really 
Bent  to  Holland.  If  such  was  the  case,  they  never  reached  the  Synodical 
Deputies  nor  the  Classis,  for,  in  the  proceedings  of  those  bodies,  they  are 
not  mentioned. 

(448) 


RECORDS  OF  1792.  449 

Hautz,  Harrisburg. 

Runckel,  Frederick. 

Winckhaus,  Philadelphia. 

Herman,  Germantown. 
The  absentees  were: 

Dos.  F.  Dellicker,  Falkner  Swamp. 

C.  Gobrecht,  McCallister. 
W.  Weber,  Pittsburg. 
G.  A.  Gueting,  Antietam. 
W.  Otterbein,  Baltimore. 

D.  Dubendorf,  Carlisle. 

Article  I. 

A  call  was  presented  from  Saucon  and  Springfield  town- 
ship [which  were  formerly  served  by  Do.  Winckhaus  *]  for 
Do.  Mann  [with  the  request  that  he  be  ordained  to  the  minis- 
terial office  as  soon  as  possible].  It  was  postponed  for  fur- 
ther consideration. 

The  congregations  of  Easton,  Greenwich,  Dryland  and 
Plainfield  then  presented  a  call  for  a  minister,  but  left  the 
Reverend  Coetus  to  decide  who  should  be  sent  to  them.  It 
wa^  resolved  to  give  them  permission  to  call  any  minister. 

Article  II. 
It  was  moved  that  a  committee  be  chosen  to  prepare  such 
fundamental  rules  as  would  make  closer  the  bond  of  union  in 
the  Reverend  Coetus,  each  member  of  the  committee  to  draw 
up  his  ideas  in  writing,  in  order  to  compare  them  later  on. 
The  following  were  appointed  on  this  committee:  Dos.  Hen- 
del,  Pomp,  and  Blumer.*  * 

*  The  sentences  in  brackets  in  this  and  later  articles  are  taken  from 
Dr.  Fisher's  translation. 

**  The  translation  of  Dr.  Fisher  reads: 

5.  A  member  of  the  Eeverend  Coetus  stated  that  it  was  very  desir- 
able to  have  certain  fixed  rules  introduced,  which  shall  specifically  define 
the  way  and  manner  of  conducting  the  business  of  the  Coetus,  as  also 
the  duties  of  each  individual  member  thereof,  etc.,  in  order  that  this 
Eeverend  Ministerial  Association  may  be  united  by  closer  bonds  in  sin- 
cere brotherly  love.  It  was,  therefore,  resolved  to  prepare  fundamental 
rules  of  the  nature  spoken  of,  and  Domines  Pomp  and  Blumer  were  ap- 
pointed to  attend  to  this  duty  and  report  at  the  next  meeting  of  the 
Coetus. 

29 


450  COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

Article  III. 

The  congregations  of  Old  and  New  Goshenhoppen  pre- 
sented a  call  for  Mr.  John  Faber,  and  asked  that  he  be  exam- 
ined and  ordained.  The  Reverend  Coetus  resolved  that  he  be 
examined  on  the  following  day  by  Dos.  Ilendel,  Ilelffrich  and 
Pomp. 

Article  IV. 

Do.  Herman,  of  Germantown,  stated  that  Samuel  Weyberg 
[who  had  been  instructed  by  him  for  some  time  past  in  the 
sciences  connected  with  theology]  intended  to  submit  to  an 
examination  during  the  next  year,  with  the  request  that,  after 
the  examination  had  been  successfully  passed,  he  be  granted 
ordination,  which  was  agreed  to  by  the  Reverend  Coetus. 

Article  V. 

A  letter  wa^  read  from  Do.  Gros  [in  which  he  stated  that 
the  son  of  Do.  Hendel,  Mr.  Wm.  Hendel,  had  pursued  theo- 
logical studies  under  his  direction  to  such  an  extent  as  to  be 
able  not  only  to  preach. with  great  acceptance,  but  also  to  un- 
dergo a  rigorous  examination,  and  therefore  requested  the 
Reverend  Coetus  to  appoint  a  committee  to  attend  to  this  ex- 
amination in  the  middle  of  October].  Whereupon  it  was  re- 
solved that  a  committtee  be  appointed  to  satisfy  this  request, 
namely,  Dos.  Blumer,  Helffrich  and  Pomp. 

Article  VI. 

Do.  Stock  reported  that  he  had  received  a  call  from  the 
united  congregations  of  Shippensburg,  Chambersburg  and 
Sherer's.  He  asked  the  opinion  of  the  Reverend  Coetus  con- 
cerning it.  After  a  full  consideration  of  the  circumstances, 
it  was  decided  that  he  should  accept  the  call  and  proceed  to 
these  congregations. 

SECOND   SESSION. 

On  May  7th  the  ministers  and  elders  again  met,  at  9  o'clock, 
in  the  school-house. 


EECORDS  OF  179$.  451 

Article  I. 

The  request,  mentioned  in  the  first  session,  with  regard  to 
Mr.  Mann  was  again  taken  up.  It  was  resolved  that  at  the 
close  of  the  session  an  examination  on  certain  truths  of  our 
faith  be  held  with  him  by  the  committee  appointed  for  the 
examination  of  Mr   Faber. 

In  accordance  with  the  resolution  of  the  first  session,  Mr. 
John  Faber  was  examined  by  Dos.  Hendel,  Pomp,  Helffrich 
and  Blumer.  [The  committee  made  a  report  in  reference  to 
the  examination  of  Mr.  Faber,  and  stated  that  he  had  not 
given  such  satisfactory  answers  to  the  dogmatical  questions 
proposed  as  they  had  expected  from  him;  still,  out  of  regard 
to  the  Goshenhoppen  congregations  and  his  widowed  mother, 
the  examination  was  approved],  and,  by  a  majority  of  votes, 
he  was  recognized  as  qualified  for  the  ministry,  and  it  was 
resolved  that  Dos.  Helffrich,  Blumer,  Pomp  and  Dellicker 
ordain  him  as  soon  as  possible. 

Article  II. 
Do.  Pauli,  of  Worcester  and  Witpen,  who  had  already  been 
ordained  several  years  before,  applied  for  reception  into  the 
Coetus,  which  was  unanimously  granted  by  the  Coetus  [and 
he  was  accordingly  admitted  to  seat  and  vote]. 

THIRD   SESSION. 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  previous  session  to  hold  an 
examination  with  IMr.  Mann  on  different  fundamental  articles 
of  faith,  reported  that  it  had  resulted  to  their  complete  satis- 
faction [and  that  Mr.  Mann  was  found  not  only  well-grounded 
in  theological  sciences,  but  also  pure  in  the  doctrine  of  the 
Church] .  In  answer  to  the  question  whether  Mr.  Mann 
should  be  ordained,  it  was  resolved  that  Dos.  Blumer,  Helff- 
rich,  Pomp  and  Dellicker  ordain  him  [at  such  time  as  they 
shall  appoint]. 

In  answer  to  the  question  where  the  Coetal  meeting  should 
be  held  next  year,  Lancaster  was  unanimously  proposed,  and 
the  fourth  Sunday  after  Easter  was  appointed  for  the  meet- 
ing. 

[The  Reverend  President  thereupon  dismissed  the  Coetus 


452 


COETUS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA, 


with  prayer,  and  the  brethren 

ings  of  love.] 

[Elders] 
John  Etris, 
George  Kemp, 
George  Wolf, 
John  Brunner, 
Andrew  Gr^\pf, 
Herbert  Hommer, 
Peter  Burckhalter, 
Philip  Dieffenderfer. 


separated  in  the  midst  of  feel- 

Daniel  Wagner,  Pres., 
G.  H.  Winckhaus,  Sec, 
W.  Hendel, 
John  H.  Helffrich, 
Nicholas  Pomp, 
George  Troldenier, 
Caspar  Wack, 
Abraham  Blumer, 
Wm.  Runckel, 
A.  G.  Hautz, 
.     Jonathan  Rahauser, 
Philip  Pauli. 


Statistics  of  the  Congregations  Ser\ted  by  Do.  John  Henry  Helff- 
rich, FROM  June  22,  1791,  to  May  6,  1792. 

(Harbaugh  MSS.,  No.  91.) 


Congregations. 


Heydelberg 

Lowhill 

Kutzto"vfn"    :    :    :  }BothinMaxatawny.{ 

Upper  Milford 

Macungie 

Weissenburg 


Total  seven  congregations 


TJ 

1 

1 

1 

ed 

03 

o 

fe 

M 

o 

48 

23 

23 

30 

13 

18 

28 

14 

— 

22 

12 

— 

50 

28 

35 

30 

11 



38 

21 

— 

246 

122 

76 

45 
35 
50 
40 
35 

36 


241 


*  Several  branch  schools,  but  no  school-house  at  the  church. 

The  Reverend  Fathers,  in  their  last  letters,  in  the  notes  on  the  statis- 
tics of  the  Pennsylvania  churches,  desired  to  know  why  so  many  churches 
were  combined  and  how  they  could  be  served  by  one  minister.  As  my 
congregations  were  mentioned,  and  I  include  even  an  additional  congre- 
gation in  the  above  statistics,  I  regard  it  as  necessary  to  state  to  the 
Reverend  Fathers  the  reasons  why  I  have  so  many  congregations  and 
show  how  I  serve  them. 


BE  COEDS  OF  1792.  453 

1.  Several  congregations  are  poor  and  weak,  and  altogether  unable  to 
pay  two  ministers. 

2.  As  many  members  live  far  away  from  the  churches,  which  made  it 
difficult  for  old  and  young  [to  go  to  church],  they  erected  new  churches, 
with  the  assistance  of  the  Lutherans,  whereby  the  number  of  congrega- 
tions, and  consequently,  also,  the  work  of  the  ministers,  was  increased; 
yet  the  salary  was  but  slightly  raised. 

3.  Churches  cannot  easily  be  combined  with  others,  and  hence  would 
have  to  be  vacant. 

4.  I  have  in  my  neighborhood  two  men,  named  Hertzel  and  Eoth,  who, 
although  they  could  not  be  received  by  the  Eeverend  Coetus  (as  can  be 
seen  from  previous  Acts),  yet  were  accepted  by  congregations  to  ad- 
minister the  Sacraments  to  them  without  ordination.  As  soon  as  I 
would  insist  upon  giving  up  one  cr  more  congregations  against  their  will, 
there  might  be  some  members  in  these  congregations  who  would  take  up 
with  these  two  men  mentioned  above,  and  thereby  cause  great  confusion, 
in  the  congregation, 

I  serve  my  congregations  in  the  following  manner:  I  preach  twice  on 
three  Sundays  and  once  on  the  fourth.  During  the  summer  I  conduct 
catechization  every  Sunday  in  each  congregation.  I  visit  each  congre- 
gation every  four  weeks  on  Sunday,  as  most  of  the  ministers  do  who  have 
four  congregations.  Whenever  I  do  not  preach  in  this  or  that  church 
on  a  Sunday,  the  schoolmaster  must  conduct  the  catechization,  according 
to  my  direction,  as  he  conducts  the  schools  during  the  winter.  I  instruct 
and  confirm  the  youth  twice  a  year,  in  spring  and  fall;  one  year  in  one, 
the  next  in  the  other  congregations. 

I  baptize  the  children  in  the  church,  whenever  I  preach,  unless  they 
are  sick.  Most  of  the  marriages  are  solemnized  at  my  house  or  in  the 
church  where  I  preach,  because  my  congregations  want  to  spare  me  as 
much  as  possible.  The  funerals  cause  me,  at  times,  the  hardest  work. 
If  my  members  cannot  accommodate  themselves  to  me,  they  ask  the 
Lutheran  minister,  as  I  have  many  Lutheran  funerals. 

My  otherwise  strong  constitution  has  been  much  weakened  through 
excessive  work,  through  almost  continual  riding  and  increasing  age. 
But  the  Lord,  in  whose  service  I  willingly  consume  my  strength,  has 
powerfully  assisted  me,  to  the  astonishment  of  myself  and  congregations. 
For  all  this  I  praise  His  name.  I  often  intended  to  give  up  some  con- 
gregations, but  neither  through  kind  words  nor  earnest  remonstrances 
was  I  able  to  gain  my  purpose.  The  continued  petitions,  the  touching 
representations,  and  the  great  love  of  the  people  to  me  always  frustrated 
my  plans.  Hence,  it  is  not  possible  to  allow  several  congregations, 
merely  through  ease,  to  remain  vacant,  nor  can  I  accept  an  easier  min- 
istry. John  Henry  Helffrich. 

The  Secretary  will  add  these  statistics,  together  with  the  following 
information,  to  the  Minutes. 


INDEX  OF  PERSONS. 


Antonides,  Vincent,  4 
Andres,  Lutheran  minister,  31 
Alsentz,  166,  167,  176,  182-184,  187, 
192,  195-197,  199,  200,  209,  213, 
214,  216,  220,  223,  224,  226,  228, 
230-232,  237,  238,  242,  245,  252, 
261,267,269,276 


Du  Bois,  Jonathan,  66,  75,  79,  84,  87, 

91,   116,    123,   131,   150,  155,  167, 

181,  184,  185,  192,  195-197,  200- 

201,  213,  216,  220,  227-228,  231, 

237,  238,  242,  250,  252,  267,  270, 

278,  284,  290,  301,  320,  324,  327, 
333,  336,  342,  352 


Bartholomaeus,  41,  53,  62,  75,  79,  87,    Faber,  John  Chr.    267,  275,  287,  296, 

117,  131,   147,  156,  183,200,251,        -^        "         ^  =^    -^"    "- 

276 
Bechtel,  John,  7,  28,  29,  30 
Berger,    F.    J.,   238,   239,  ^42,   250, 

251,  252,  258,  264-266,  286,  298 
Berger,  John,  13 
Boehm,  J.  Ph.,  4,  14,  15,  17,  33,  35, 

37-41,  45-46,  48-49,  77 
Boehme,  C.   L.,  308,  320,   322,  324, 

333,  334.  335,  339,  343,  344,  349, 

350,  351,  356,  370,  379,  380,  402 
Boel,  Henry,  4 
Boos,   310,    314-315,    320,    331-333, 

341,  364,  378,  384,  428 
Bucher,  235,  244,  252.  258,  261,  266, 

275,  278,  285,  290,  297,  298,  302- 

304,  313,  320,  324,  333,  335,  339, 

343,  346,  349,  351,  353,  363,  368, 

373,  374,  392 
Banner  (Bonner),  Jr.,  145, 157 

Chitara  (Chitera),  396-397,  407,  417, 
419,  422,  427,  443 

Dellicker,  267,   278,  284,    290,  299, 

302,  320,  324,  333,  336,  343,  346, 

349,  350-351,  375,  377,  380,  382, 

386,  387,  391,  400,  407,  408,  411, 

414,  418,  423,  430,  434,  436,  440, 

447,  449 
DeWees,  Wm.,  23,  29 
Diemer,  Dr.  Jacob,  19 
Dorsius,  6,  26,  30,  31 
Dorsius,  Mrs.,  77,  87,  117,  131,  183, 

200,  251,  293,  322 
Dubbendorff.  359,  363,  372,  374,  376, 

382,  384,  391,  394,  396,  397,  402, 

405,  444,  449 


310,  329,  341,  343,  345,  349,  359 

Faber,  John  Th.,  252,  258,  265,  270, 
278,  290,  297,  298,  302,  305,  320, 
323-324,  328,  333,  335,  337,  339, 
343,  349,  350,  351,  353,  356,  363, 
370,  372,  380,  382,  391,  400,  405, 
414,  431 

Faber,  John  (Jr.),  450,  451 

Faehring,  268-270,  275,  287,  296, 
301,  302,  320,  324,  336,  352 

Fock  (Vock),  61 

Frelinghuysen,  26,  100 

Gasser,  John,  159 

Gebhard,  324,  326,  327,  333,  335,  337, 
343,  351,  352,  357 

Giesse   413 

Gobrecht,  245,  252,  258.  275,  287, 
290,  297,  299,  301,  302,  305,  315, 
320,  323-324,  327,  330,  333,  335, 
337,  339,  343,  349,  351,  353,  356, 
363,  370,  373-375,  378,  380,  382, 
386,  389,  392,  400,  405,  408,  414, 
423,  430,  444,  449 

Goetschy,  6,  7,  10,  11,  12,  26 

Gros,  235,  237-239,  242,  248,  249, 
252,  257,  268,  269,  275,  278,  283, 
289,  290,  293,  297,  301,  302,  305, 
316,  317,  320,  323,  324,  328,  331- 
333,  336,  338,  427,  428,  450 

Gueting,  419,  444,  447,  449 

Guldin,  7,  26 


Hautz,  412,  423,  440,  441,  442,  447, 
449 

Hecker,  76.  245,  263 

Helffenstein,  324,  326,  333,  335.  343, 

349,  354,  356.  362,  366.  370,  372, 

375,  376,  380,  386.  390,  394,  400, 

408,  411,  414,  423,  430,  437 

(455) 


456 


INDEX  OF  PERSONS. 


Helffrich,  324-326,  333,  335, 
343,  348,  349,  351,  353,  356, 
363,  370,  375,  380,  386,  391, 
399,  405,  414,  423,  430,  444, 
448,  450,  453 

Hendel,  230,  231,  233,  235,  238, 
250,  252,  270-272,  278,  281, 
290,  207,  298,  301,  317.  318, 
324.  333,  335,  337,  343,  3 15, 
349,  351.  354,  356,  363,  366, 
370,  375,  380,  386,  391,  397, 
407,  408,  412,  414,  423,  425, 
430,  434,  436,  438,  440,  444, 
448 

Hendel,  Jr.,  450 

Henop,  238,  239,  242,  252,  257, 
263,  269.  278,  282,  284,  290, 
302,  307,  312,  318,  320.  324, 
335,  339,  343,  349,  351,  356, 
380,  382,  389,  391,  394 

Herman,  414,  423,  425,  444,  449, 

Hertzel,  361,  453 

Hochreutiner,  41,  48 


339, 
359. 
395, 
447, 

242, 
285. 
320, 
346. 
367. 
401, 
427, 
447, 


261, 
293, 

ooo 
00.5, 

370, 
450 


Ingold,  349,  351,  352,  357,  360,  366, 
370,  373,  376,  377,  382,  399,  405, 
414,  418,  422,  437 

Kals,  170,  171,  173,  174 

Lange,  252,  253,  255,  261,  274,  285, 
286,  298 

Layenberger,  24 

Levdich,   39,  41,   53,  54.  57.  61-64, 

66,  67,  69.  78,  80.  83,  88,  91-94, 
96,    100.    101,    107-109,    111.  112, 

116,  123,  131,  140,  145,  150,  156, 
172,  183.  184,  191,  192,  196,  2(:0, 
201,  204,  213,  216,  222,  226,  231, 
238,  239,  242,  249,  251,  257.  278. 
290,  301,  312,  320,  324,  327,  335, 
339.  343,  349,  353,  363,  380,  386, 
387 

Lischy.  20.  26,  36,  37,  42,  48,  61-64, 
66,  69,  70,  73,  77,  79.  83,  86.  105, 

117,  123,  131,  150,  152-154.  180, 
187,   194,  211,  220.  224 

Loretz,  394-396,  400.  409,  424 

Mann,  449,  451 
Marinus,  71 

Michael,  225,  235,  309,  397 
Miller,  Fr.  C,  35,  73.107,  108 
Miller,  Peter.  2-4,  8.  9,  19 
Morris,  Ciovernor.  120 
Muehlcnberg,  Lutheran  minister,  23 
Muentz,  Chr.,  183,  141,  142,  146 
Muentz,  Mrs.,  183,  200,  251,  293,  322 

Neveling,    316,   328,    347,    348,  352, 


354,  378,  382,  386,  387,  410,  414, 
422,  443 


Otterbein.  64,  66,  69, 
84,  86,  91,  96.  104, 
131,  140,  142,  150- 
181,  183,  184,  187. 
197,  199,  200,  205, 
221,  227,  231,  237, 
243,  250,  252,  253- 
278,  281,  286,  289, 
303,  335,  387,  338, 
350,  356,  357,  386, 
418,  419,  422,  423, 


74,  77,  79,  81, 
111.  116,  123, 
154,  167,  170, 
191,  1^2,  196, 
213.  214.  217, 
288,  240.  242, 
255,  272,  276, 
290,  293.  298, 
343,  845,  349, 
890,  394,  405, 
425,  447,  449 


Pauli.  406,  412,  419,  439.  451 

Pernisius,  394-396.  399,  4(i2,  405, 
408,  409,  417,  418,  424,  429,  432, 
433 

Petei-sen,  35 

Pick,  420,  425.  431.  442 

Pomp.  238,  239,  242,  251,  252,257, 
263.  265,  267,  269,  270.  278.  293, 
295.  301,  310,  324,  328,  333.  335, 
343,  346,  349,  351,  363,  370,  375, 
376,  880.  386,  390.  391,  394,  401, 
408,  414.  418,  422,  423,  480,  439, 
440,  444,  448-450 

Pyrlaeus.  25 

Pythan  (Pithan),  283,  299,  305,  312, 
313 

Rahauser,  438,  442,  445,  448 

Reift;  13,  18.  20,  22,  58,  107,  122, 
128 

Reifischneider,  13 

Rieger.  3,  10.  19,  24.  25,  28,  33,  35, 
37,  41.  45-47,  53,  54.  62,  73,  74, 
77,  79,  82,  86,  91,  104,  111,  116, 
123,  131,  140,  142,  150,  151,  183- 
185,  191,  196,  200,  201,  205-209, 
221.  223,  233 

Riess,  235,  243 

Roth,  398,  413,  453 

Rothenbuliler.  214,  216,  218,  219 

Rnbel,  63,  64,  {'S,  79.  89,  91,  93,  97, 
108,  108,  109,  111,  116.  119,  124, 
127,  128,  135,  136,  142,  146,  157, 
165,  183 

Runckel.  861,  366,  367,  374.  375, 
378,  880,  886,  390-392,  894,  401, 
408.  414,  418,  423.  480,  440,  447, 
449 

Schlatter,  32-84,  40.  41,  45-47,  .54, 
55,  59,  60,  62,  (](\,  69,  72  78,  78, 
79,  81-85,  87,  90,  91,  100.  102,  106, 
111,  112,  114,  115,  117,  126,  129. 
131,  134,  142,  147,  156 

Schley,  74 


INDEX  OF  PERSONS. 


457 


Schneider,  427 

Schwob,  296,  301,  305,  310,  317,  329, 
340 

Seiffert,  85 

Spangenberg,  Cyriacus,  384,  390,  397 

Stahlschmidt,  315,  354,  361.  366,  370 

Stapel,  206,  208,  212,  213,  217,  220, 
223,228,229,  246,247 

Stein,  Peter,  158,  186,  189 

Steiner,  53,  54,  57,  62,  72,  81,  89,  94, 
97,  107,  108,  111,  115,  116,  123, 
131,  140,  142,  145,  150,  159,  169, 
174-180,  192,  214 

Steiner,  Mrs.,  248 

Steiner,  Jr.,  312,  318,  328-330,347, 
350,  352,  355,  363,  370,  377 

Stoy,  64,  66,  69,  74,  77,  79,  81,  82, 
84,  86.  93,  95,  96,  105,  111,  116, 
123,  131.  142,  144,  145,  150,  151, 
156,  162,  166,  170,  175,  183,  184, 
187,  191,  192,  193,  196,  197!  200, 
215,  288,  308,  315,  341 

Straub,  19 

Stock,  438,  442,  445,  448,  450 

Tauber,  75,  110 

Tempelmann,  25,  36,  59,  66,  69.  75, 

77.  79,  84,  87,  95,  108-111,  116, 

123,  131,  144,  150,  156,  157,  165, 

183,  192.  196,  200 
Tennant,  26 
Troldenier,  414,  421,  425,  438,  440, 

444.  447.  448 
Twifood,  368 

Van  der  Sloot,  389.  397 
Vock,  61 

Wack,  298,  315,  316,  327,  328,  338, 

347,  348,  352,  363,  370,  375,  378, 
380,  382,  386,  388,  391,  399,  408. 
418,  419,  440.  444,  448 

Wagner,   317,    328,    338,    345,   347, 

348,  352,  354,  356,  361-363,  366, 
370,  380,  386,  391,  401,  414,  421, 
423,  430,  440,  444,  447,  448 

Waldschmidt,  64,  66,  67.  69,  73,  74, 
79,  84,  87,  94,  101.  107,  108,  109, 
111,  116,  123,  131,  142-144,  150, 


168,  169,  183,  184,  191,  196,  199, 
200,  213-216,  222,  231,  238,  242, 
249,  251,  257,  278,  290,  302,  309, 
320,  335,  343,  349,  382,  394,  401, 
405 

Wallauer,  329,  344 

Washington,  428,  434,  435 

Weber,  319,  328,  347,  352,  355,  356, 
360,  363,  366,  377,  380,  382,  387, 
394,  405,  414,  418,  447,  449 

Weikel,  357,  368 

Weiser,  75 

Weiss,  3,  8,  9.  18.  35,  45.  47,  54,  57, 
62,  63,  66,  67,  79,  80,  83,  88,  91- 
96.  99-101.  106.  108.  109,  111,  112, 
116,  123,  131,  150.  173,  183,  184, 
191,  196,  200,  205,  217 

Wevberg,  204.  212-215.  222.  223,  227, 
228,  230-232,  238,  242,  247,  250, 
252,  257,  267,  269,  278,  284,  290, 
298.  301,  315,  316,  324,  328,  333- 
335,  339,  343-347,  349,  351,    353, 

354,  356,  363,  375,  376,  380,  386, 
387,  391,  400.  407,  408,  414,  420, 
423,  425,  427,  428,  430,  432,  440, 
447 

Weyberg,  Jr.,  450 

Weymer,  268-270,  275,  290,  296,  302, 
312,  318,  320,  324,  333,  335,  337, 
339,  343,  349.  351.  356.  376.  382, 
391,  394,  401.  405,  414,  418,  430, 
437 

Wierts  (Wirtz),  37,  59,  100 

Wilhelmi,  Dr.,  26 

Willy,  394,  395,  400.  406 

Winckhaus,  389.  394,  395.  400,  405, 
408,  423,  440.  444,  446,  448,  449 

Wissler,  64,  66.  69,  81,  88.  89,  95, 
102.  108,  109,  111,  117,  163 

Wittner,  252,  258,  265,  268,  276,  278, 
285,  290,  297,  302,  305,  312,  320, 
324,  333,  336,  340.  343,  346,  349, 

355,  359,  363,  373 
Wittner,  Mrs.,  417,  422,  443 

Zinzendorf,  24,  28,  153 
Zufall,  238,  239,  242,  252,  253,  262, 
274,  286,  298 


INDEX  OF  PLACES. 


Abbotstown,  338,  343,  344,  356,  370, 

375,  380,  386,  391,  401,  414,  423, 

430 
Albany  (Berks  Co.),  302 
Alexandria,  N.  J.,  246,  267,  302,  320, 

346 
Allegheny  (Berks  Co.),  302,  320,  401 
Alleniaengel,  37 
Allentown,  237,   249.    2,57,  278,  290, 

302.  320,   322,  333,  356;  see  also 

Northampton. 
Allentownship,  363,  377.  382.  389,  395 
Amwell,   N.  J.,   100,   163,  187,  202, 

227,  228,  232,  240.  246,  250,  267, 

278,  284,  285,  289,  299,  316,  378, 

383,  384,  388 
Antietam.  Md.,  386.  419,  444,  447 
Augusta  Co.,  Va.,  445 

Baltimore,  Md.,  241,  250,  287,  296, 
323,  328-330,  337,  340.  344,  345, 
350,  356,  379,  380,  384,  386,  387, 
390,  391,  401,  408,  414,  422,  423, 
430,  437,  445,  447 

Berraudian,  105,  338,  344,  356,  375, 
380,  386 

Bern,  249,  257,  278 

Bethel,  253.  261,  277,  301,  346,  370 

Bethlehem,  231,  232,  278,  285,  290 

Blaser's,  375,  380 

Bleymever's,  356,  370 

Blue  Mountains,  33,  380 

Brownback's,  249,  424  ;  see  also 
Coventry. 

Cacusi  (Hain's  Church,  Berks  Co.), 
12,  13,  16.  236,  249,  257,  290,  302, 
331 ;  see  also  Heidelberg,  Berks  Co. 

Camp,  N.  Y.,  203 

Carlisle,  235,  244,  258,  278,  361,  375, 
396,  404,  444 

Chambersburg,  450 

Christ  Church  ( Littlestown,  Pa.). 
344,  356.  HHO,  401,  4(IS,  414,  423, 
430;  see  also  Kreutz  Church. 

Cocalico,  8,  3(),  37,  (U,  66,  73,  89,  95, 
106,  109,  111,  185,  197,  199,  202, 
236,  250,  258,  278,  285,  290,  299, 


302,  320,  333,  339,  351,  356,  363, 
370.  378,  382,  388,  396,  412 

Cocalico,  little.  320,  401 

Codorus,  89,  105,  356 

Cohenzie,  N.  J.,  232 

Conococheague  (St.  Paul's  near  Clear- 
spring,  Md.),  37,74.  75,  109,  118, 
227,  243,  250,  275,  289,  296,  305, 
318.  333,  339,  351.  356,  401,  414 

Conestoga,  1,  2,  7,  8,  12,  16,  18,  24, 
31,41,  47 

Conewago,  35,  36,  76,  118,  125,  126, 
144,  178,  179,  183,  231 

Coventry,  107,  249,  278,  290,  301, 
339,  363,  380,  386,  418;  see  also 
Brownback's. 

Cumry,  401 

David's  Church,  356,  370,  401,  408, 

414,  430 
De  Long  Church,  339,  452 
Donegal,   35.  36,  76,  236,   258,  278, 

320,  339,  346,  351,  363,  368,  386, 

391 
Dryland,  237,  239,  249,  257,  263,  278, 

290,  313,  377,  399,  408,  414,  423, 

449 
Dunkel's  Church,  318,  349,  356,  360 

Easton,  194,  202,  204,  223,  224,  231, 
239,  249,  257,  262,  278,  282,  283, 
290,  300,  312.  357,  360,  373,  377, 
382,  399,  414,  422,   423,  449  ;  see 
also  Forks  of  Delaware. 
Eg>'pt,  33,  42,  64,  66,  81,  108,  163, 
237,  249,  257,  278,  2<)0,  302,  320, 
333,  3;-;9,  346,  351,  356,  363,  370, 
375,  391,  399.  408,  423,  430 
Elizabethtown.  Md.,  391 
Epler  (Berks  Co.),  290,  302,  320 
Erlentown,  33,  57,  58;  see  also  Selten- 
reich. 

Falkner  Swamp,  1,  5,  6,  13-18,  21, 
22,  33,  40,  49,  66,89, 108,  118,  183, 
185,  196,  202,  216,  232,  239,  249, 
257,  290,  301,  320,  333,  339,  346, 
351,  363,  370,  375,  380,  386,  387, 


(458) 


INDEX  OF  PLACES. 


459 


391,  400,  408,  414,  423, 

430, 

436, 

440.  447 

Falling  Spring,  278,  445 

Forks  of  Delaware,  36,  37 

Fort  Pitt,  382 

Foxhill,  N.  J.,    100,  246, 

250. 

267. 

27H,  285,  290.  302,  320, 

333, 

346, 

351,  377,  382,  388,  405, 

408 

Frankford.  326.  412 

Frederick,Md.,74.  89,  109 

,145 

159, 

176,  180,  187,  191,  197, 

199. 

202, 

227,  232,  238,  240,  243, 

250, 

253. 

254,  258,  261,  274,  277, 

281, 

282, 

28.5,  302.  320,  333,  339, 

851. 

356, 

370,  380,  382.  389,  391. 

894, 

401, 

408.  414.  423,  430,  440, 

447 

Freyen,  370 

Funksto^vn.  401 

Germantown,  1,  2.  7.  12,  15.  27,  29, 
106,  108,  126,  145,  151.  166,  185, 
191,  196,  199,  202.  209,  214,  216, 
226,  232,  237,  247,  249,  255,  261. 
267,  277,  287,  301,  320,  326,  353, 
860,  363,  372.  375,  380.  386,  391. 
400,  408.  414,  423.  430.  437.  444, 
450 

Germantown.  Va..  37 

Gettysburg.  436,  440,  444,  447 

Glade  Church,  Md.,  302,  320,  333, 
339,  351,  356,  380,  391,  414,  423, 
430 

Goshenhoppen,  1,2,  9,  12,  16,  26,  31, 
33,  66,  89,  95.  108,  173,  183,  185, 
196,  202,  204,  217,  223,  224,  235. 
243,  278,  290,  302,  320,  333,  339, 
351,  356,  363,  372,  373.  377.  380. 
386,  387,  889,  397,  405.  414,'  431. 
439.  440,  450,  451 

Great  Swamp,  1,  2,  10,  16,  33,  108, 
185.  204,  243,  278,  290,  301,  302. 
320,  333,  351,  356,  363,  375,  878, 
380,  886,  397,  400,  405,  414,  431 

Greenwich,  231,  237,  249,  257,262. 
278,  290,  312,  356,  363,  377.  399; 
414,  423.  449 

Greenwich  (Berks  Co.),  290,  302,  386 


Hagerstown.  Md.,  320,  382,  401, 

487.  438.  '44.5 
Hamilton,  356,  880 
Hanolden.  856 
Hanover,    386.   338,   343,    344. 

356.  870,  880,  882,  886.  891, 

408.414.  428,  430,440 
Hanto-wn.  3S2 
Harrisburg.  447 
Hartwick.  X.  J..  878.  382,  392 
Heidelberg  (Lehigh  Co.).  42,  64, 

290,  302,  326,  839,  846,  351, 


363,  870,  375,  380,  386,  399,  408, 

414.  480,  4.52 
Heidelberg  (Cacusi),  301,  331 
Heidelberg     (Tulpehocken     charge), 

266,  277,  301.  820,  8S8,  346,  851, 

356.  868,  370,  875,  380,  388,  396, 

400,  428,  480 
Heller's.  423 
Hempfield,  382 
Hill  Church  (Lebanon  Co.),  386,  890, 

891,  396;  see  also  Quittopehilla. 
Holzon's  Eiver,  Ya.,  387,  341 
Host  Church,  851,  880 
Hummelstown,  278,  861 

Indian  Creek,  363,  370 

Indianfield,    33.    76,    290,  301,  316, 

326,  888,  875.  378,  382,  391,  400, 

405,  406,  422,  437,  444 
Indian  township,  899,  408 

Jacob's  Church,  318,  349,  3.55,  860, 
891,  401.  408.414.428,  430 

Jeremiah  Miller's  Church,  47;  see 
also  Donegal. 

Jerusalem  Church.  356 

Jones's  Church,  886.  391 


Jordan,  108,  237,  -250.  21 


290, 


430, 


3.50,  I 
401 . 


108, 
856, 


302,  320,  838,  889,  346,  351,  8.56, 
363,  870,  380,  391,  399,  408,  414, 
423,  430 

Kaemmerling,    253,    261,    277,    320, 

833,  386,  891 
Kastenberg    (Kestenberg),    383,    346, 

863 
Kittatinny  Mt.  Church  (Middletown, 

Md.).     320,     339,     351;   see     also 

Mountains. 
Knowlton,  N.  J.,  378,  382,  892,  419; 

see  also  Nolton. 
Kreutz  Church,   344,   870.  875,  380, 

886;  see  also  Christ  Church. 
Kreutz  Creek.  78,  89,  105,  118.  152, 

183,  236,  257,  278 

Lancaster,  8,  33,  35,  40,  53,  57,  58, 
60.  64,  65.  79,  85.  89. 118.  126,  154. 
167.  183,  184,  196,  198,  202,  215, 
21  f',  224.  23t!,  282,  233,  286,  250, 

257,  27' '-272,  278,  281,  289,  290, 
298,  805,  308,  320,  322,  333.  339, 
350,  351,  858,  356.  370,  372,  380, 
882,  386,  891,  401,  408,  414,  42-3, 
480,  440,  447 

Lebanon,   231,    232.   236,    240,    250, 

258,  266,  277,  290,  820,  833,  339, 
846,  351,  368.  378,  886,  390,  391, 
.396.  400.  402  ' 

Lehigh,  36,  37,  215,  237,  239,  336, 


460 


INDEX  OF  PLACES. 


345,  350,  3G3,  377,  382,  389,  396, 

399,  402,  408 
Lehigh,  little,  33,  36,  42 
Lindau,  237 
Lischv's  Church,  356,  391,  401,  408, 

414*,  423.  430 
Little  Cocalico,  320 
Long  Swamp,  351,  356,  363,  370 
Lowhill,  290,  302,  324,  339,  346,  351, 

356,  363,  370,  375,  380,  386,  391, 

399,  408,  414,  423,  430,  452 
Lower    Saucon,    263,    320,    331-333, 

380,  386,  391,  405 
Lower  Settlement,  361,  396 
Lower  Tohiekon,  316 
Lynn  (Lynntownship),  250,  290,  302 
Lvken  Run,  Va.,  37 
Li'kens  VaUey,  372,  382,  391,  405,  418 

Macungie,  1.  2,  35,  37,  399,  408,  414, 

423,  430,  447,  448,  452 
Manatawny  (Berks  Co.),  37 
Manheim,    320,    339,  346,  351,    363, 

367,  375,  380,  386,  391 
Massanutton,  Va.,  250 
Maxatawnv,    1,    2,    12,    16,    37,  226, 

235,  309,  339,  346,  351,  356,  363, 

370,  375,  380,  386,  391,  399,  408, 

414,  423,  430,  440 
Mavtown,    236,    258,    278,  367,    375, 

3*80,  386 
McCallister,  373,  375,  447 
Middletown  (Pa.),  278 
Middletown  (Md.),  380,  391,  414,  423, 

430;  see  also  Kittatinny  Mts. 
Monocacy,  Md.,  35-37,  64,  66,  74,  89, 

159.192;  continued  as  Frederick, Md. 
Moortownship,   363,    377,    382,    396, 

399,  408 
Mountains  (Middletown,  Md.),   302, 

333,  339,  356,  370;  see  also  Kitta- 
tinny Mts. 
Mount  Bethel,  356 
Mount  Pleasant,  382 
Muddy  Creek,  36,  37,  57,  58,  73,  74, 

109,  231,  236,  240,  250,  258,  268, 

278,  290,  299,  320,  333,  339,  351, 

356,  363,  370,  378,  382,  388,  396. 

412.  423,  440 
Muehlbach,   74,   77,   239,   250,   253, 

261,  277,  301,  320,  333,  346,  351, 

356,  363;  370,  375 
Muellerstown  (Woodstock),  Va. ,  311 

Neiss's  Church.  424 
Neshaminy,  (i,  209 

New  Hanover,  204,  249,  251,  257,  278 
Kew  Lunohurg,  Nova  Scotia.  276 
New  Providence,  363,  388,  395,  400, 
408,  see  also  Providence. 


Newton,  N.  J.,  378.  392 
Nockamixon   (Bucks  Co.),  337,  363, 

380,  399 
Nolton,  N.  J.,  378;  see  Knowlton. 
Northampton   (Bucks  Co.),  66,   185, 

202,  227,  232,  237,  249,  279,  290, 

301,  333;  see  also  Neshaminy. 
Northampton  (Allentown),  339.  346, 

351.  363,  375,  3hO,  391,  399,  406. 

414,  423,  430,  440,  447 

Oley,  1,  2,  10,  13,  14,  16,  37,  124, 
126,  144,  197,  202,  232 

Organ  Church,  318,  349,  354,  361 ;  see 
also  Lynn. 

Paradise  (York  Co.),  231,  257,  278 

Pequea  (Lancaster  Co.),  232, 271,  308, 
328 

Philadelphia,  1,  6,  7,13-15,19,21, 
22,  32,  33,  39,  40,  55,  60,  62,  64 
77,  78,  106,  108,  118.  121, 123,  127 
128,  142,  151,  167,  169,  173-179 
187,  192,  202,  214,  216,  218,  221 
223,  227,  232,  236,  247,  249,  255 
257,  278,  290,  301,  320,  333-335, 
339,  346,  351,  356,  363,  375.  380 
386,  891,  400,  408,  414 

Pipe  Creek,  Md.,  240,  287,  311 

Pittsburg.  387,  394.405,  418 

Plainfield.  231,  237,  239,  249,  257, 
263,  278,  290,  356,  363,  377,  380, 
399,  414,  423,  449 

Potomac,  Va. ,  37 

Pottsgrove,  301 

Pottstown,  290,  339,  363,  380,  386, 
424 

Providence,  33,  40,  107,  108,  118, 
185,  196,  202,  204,  216,  232,  236, 
249,  257,  339;  see  also  Trappe. 

Quicker s.  370 

Quittopehilla,  16,  36,  37,   109,  266, 

277,  320,  339,  346,  351,  363:   see 

also  Hill  Church. 


Rapho  (Lancaster  Co.),  109 

266, 

277, 

320,  339,  346,  351,  363, 

367, 

375, 

380,  386,  391 

Raritan,N.  J.,  26,  30,  36 

Reading,  85,  125,  126,  144, 

168, 

183, 

196,   li)7,  202,  224,  232, 

239, 

250, 

251,  2t)4-26(),   277,   289, 

298, 

309, 

313,  320,  331,  332,  364, 

378, 

382, 

386.  389,  394,  395,  400, 

406, 

407, 

414,  421,  422.  428 

Rhineheck,N.  Y.,  203 

Rockaway,  N.  J.,  100,  246 

267, 

278, 

290,  302,  320,  333,  346, 

351 , 

377, 

382,  384,  388,  405,  40S. 

444 

Rocky  Hill,  414 

INDEX  OF  PLAGES. 


461 


Roeder's  Church  (Timberville) ,  Va., 
311 

Salzburg,  312,  320,  346,  363,375,  380, 
386,  391,  399 

Saucon.  1,  2,  10,  16,  33,  37,  59,  277, 
283,  289,  293,  302,  305,  373,  374, 
382,  399,  405,  423,  440,  445,  449 

Schaeffer's  (Lebanon  Co.),  33,  66, 
185,  196,  202 

Schierster's,  370 

Schlosser's,  237,  249,  257,  278,  290, 
302,  320,  333,  339,  346,  351,  356, 
363,  370,  375,  380^  391,  399,  408, 
414,  423,  430 

Schoener's,  445 

Schuylkill,  across  the,  107,  108,  204, 
216,  320;  see  also  Vincent. 

Schuylkill  (Coventry),  257 

Schwaben  Creek,  391 

Sellenreich,  73,  109,  118,   151,   185, 
197,  202,  205,  231,  236,  258,  278,  ' 
290,  299,  320,  333,  339,  351,  356, 
363,  370,  378,  382,  396,  412,  423 

Shamokin,  354,  397,  437 

Shenandoah,  Va.,  37,  250 

Shepensburg,  Va.,  250 

Sherer's,  450 

Shippensburg,  361,  445,  448,  450 

Silver  Run,  338,  344 

Skippack,  1,  5-7,  9, 10,  12,  15-19,  21, 
22,  33,  37,  38,  149.  216,  326,  352, 
873,  421 ;  see  also  Worcester. 

South  Branch,  Va.,  37 

Springfield,  33,  37,  263,  277,  283,  289, 
293,  302,  305,  320,  374,  380,  386, 
391,  399,  405,  406,  423,  445,  449 

Staufferstown  (Strasburg),  Va. ,  250, 
311 

Steffenstown,  Va.,  311 

Stony  Creek,  Va.,  250 

Swatara,  16,  36,  37,  59,  66,  109,  144, 
202,  231,  232,  239,  250,  289,  320, 
338,  851,  356,  363,  375,  388,  400, 
423,  430 

Swatara,  little,  197,  211 

Taney  town,  Md.,  329,  356 

Tohickon,  245,  287,  290,  301,  316, 
327,  863,  370,  375,  378,  382,  391, 
400,  405,  406,  413,  422 

Tolpehil,  74,  109 

Trappe,  327,  380,  386;  see  also  Provi- 
dence. 

Tresbach,  250 

Troxel's  Church.  Md.,  320,  401 

Trumbauer's,  316,  326,  337,  339,  382, 
391,405,406,422 


Tulpehocken,  1,  2,  8-10,  12,  15,  16, 
18,  20,  21,  24,  38,  41,59,  64,  66, 

74,  89,  105,  118,  142,  148,  151,  156, 
183,  184,  187,  191,  197,  202,  217, 
224,  231,  239,  248,  250,  261,  277, 
281,  288,  301,  320,  833,  346,  351, 
856,  863,  370,  880,  882,  395,  400, 
405,  409,  428,  430,  440,  447 

Tulpehocken,  Lower,  887,  875,  888 
Tulpehocken,  Upper,  875,  388 

Upper  Milford.  249,   257,  278,  290, 

801,  312,  383,  846,  863,  875,380, 

386,  391,  399,  408,  414,  423,  480, 
452 

Valley,  N.  J.,  267,  278,  285,  290, 
302,  320,  838,  846,  851,  377,  382, 
384,  388.  405,  408,  440 

Vincent,  107,  282.  236,  289,  249,  257, 
278,  290,  301,  320,  389,  346,  353, 
363,  870,  375,  380,  386,  391,  400, 
408,  414.  423,  430 

Virginia,  37,  158,  176,  231,  238,  240, 
250,  258,  276,  277,  285,  811.  331, 
337,  339,  341,  351,  394,  445 

Warwick  (Lancaster  Co.),  320,  339, 

846,  851,  863 
Weissenburg,  408,  414,  423,  430,  452 
Westmoreland  County,  377,  382,  447 
Whitehall,  215,  224,  232,  237,  268, 

283,  289 
Whitemarsh,  1,  2,  5,  6, 13, 15, 17,  18, 

21,23,  49 
White  Oaks  (Lancaster  Co.),  37,  57, 

58,  74,  76,  107,  118,  196,  198,  202, 

236,  266,  277,  367,  375,  380,  386, 

391 
W^inchester,  Va.,  158,  240,  250,  311 
Witpen   (Whitpain),  38,  38,  40,  74, 

75,  89,  108,  125,  126,  145,  185,192, 
196,  199,  202,  216,  237,  249,  261, 
267,  287,  301,  320,  326,  351,  852, 
357,  368,  382,  888,  395,  400,  408 

Woodstock,  Va. ,  250 

Worcester,  237,  249,  261,.  267,  287, 
301,  320,  326,  351,  852,  357,  368, 
873,  382,  388,  395,  400,  408 

York,  38,  35-87,  66,  70,  73,  105,  108, 
152,  202,  224,  231,  282,  286,  288, 
250,  278,  287,  289,  290,  298,  338, 
345,  354,  356,  361,  363.  370,  380, 
386,  391,  401,  408,  421,  488 

Zion's  Church,  356,  401,  408,  414, 
423,  430 


iinDex  of  subjects. 


ABC  books,  90 

Alms,  50 

Assessors,  06,  12v?,  140 

Baptism,  8,  43,  44,  50,  128,  338 
Bible,  60-69,  110,  128,  143,  446 

Canons  of  Dort,  40,  41,  65,  235 

Catechism,  90 

Catechization,  227,  307.  453 

Catholics,  137.  236 

Charity  schools,  129,  130,  138,  139, 

143,  147,  148,  157,  166,  198 
Charity   school    subsidies,    144,    161, 

181.  193,  198,  211,  21:0 
Church  discipline,  50,  280 
Church  order  of  Boehm,  2-4,  7,  9,  11, 

17,  18,20,29,41,44,49-52 
Church  order  of  Dort,  98,  110,  116, 

233,  272.  274,  277,323,  442 
Church  order  of  Palatinate,  233 
Church  records,  51,  77 
Church  visitation.  115,  122,  129,  191, 

196,  211,  215.  224,  232 
Coetus,  meaning  of  name,  38;   to  be- 
come a  Synod.  431 
Coetus  of  New  York,  71,    167,  234, 

255,  262,  263,  305 
College  of  New  Jersey,  255,  256,  263, 

327 
Consistory,  49,  51 
Correspondence  with  Holland,  54,  130, 

2!)2 

Day  of  prayer,  350 

Divine  services,  50 

Distribution  of  donations,  221,  224, 
247,  275,  :U)i,  305 

Donations  from  Holland,  77,  83,  85- 
89,  117,  118,  131,  137,  141,  149, 
16(',  162,  172,  183,  186,  198.  200, 
203,  210,  212,  221,  232,  247,  251, 
276,  293,  302,  322,  340,  341,  347. 
357,  365,  374.  379,  381,  385,  402, 
417,  422,  424,  431,  441,  443 

Dunkers,  8 


Elders,  their  certificates,  40,  46;  their 


duties,  50.  51 ;  their  privileges,  104, 
111,  112,273,274 
Episcopalians,  347 

Heidelberg  Catechism,  4,  28,  40,  41, 

50,  52 

High  school  (at  Lancaster),  392,  403, 
404,409,411,426,441 

Indians,  158,  163,  166,  3";  4 

Letters  from  Holland,  67,  86.  92. 112, 
114,  124,  133,  137,  140,  141,  156, 
162,  165,  169,  173,  184,  191,  197, 
198,  210,  211,  213,  217,  220,  223, 
228,  232,  239,  246,  273,  292,  304, 
322,  340,  352,  374,  392,  402,  404, 
431,  441 
Lord's  Supper,  6,  42,  50,  128,  271 
Lutherans,  7,  23,  25,  31,  347 

Membership,  44 

Mennonites,  236 

Ministers,  their  call,  217,  218,  222, 
231,  239,  266,  299,  316,  332,  345, 
350,  354,  367,  377,  378,  381,  383, 
389,  396,  438.  450:  their  duty,  50, 

51 ,  300,  362,  428;  their  fees,  43,  44; 
their  work.  453 

Money,  in  Pa.,  136;  in  Holland,  77, 

83 
Moravians,  19,  20,  28,  198 

New  Born,  10,  11 

Ordination,  75,  243-240,  275,  287, 
288.  304,  318,  340,  347,  348,  367, 
446,  451 

Ordination  pledge,  412 

Pastoral  letter.  369 
Pastoral  reports,  128 
Presbyterians.  17,  81.  234.  347 
Princeton  College,  269,  425 


Register  of  ministers,  375,  410 
Kules  of  Coetus,  141 


(462) 


Salaries  of  ministers,  116,  117,  136, 
194,  230,  232,  241,  247,  250,  274, 
276,  301,  302,  399-401,  403,  442 

Seventh  Day  Baptists,  3,  8,  19 

Singing  of  congregation,  13 


INDEX  OF  SUBJECTS.  463 

Time  of  Coetus,  39,  233,  340,  355 


Widows'  Fund,  132,  341,  342,  347, 
352.  357,  358,  362,  402,  416,  417, 
422,  424,  443 


4  .'■"    s  -v 


